Oakley, as he came to be named, was the birthday present for my middle son, Jake, who was 11 at the time. He was named by my older son, Nick, who was obsessed with the Oakley brand for sunglasses and ski goggles. He thought the dog looked like an Oakley due to his Buff color. Oakley, a cockapoo, soon became my dog as Jake was probably a bit too young to care for him. As the mom of the of the family, I took on the training and responsibility of the dog. We became friends and eventually soul mates. My younger son, Luke, wanted a dog of his own, so when he was 8 years old we went back to the same breeder and picked out a black cockapoo who had the same dad as Oakley, but three years younger. She was the runt of the litter but an Alpha dog by personality. Oakley’s personality was more shy and timid so the two tolerated each other at best. We named the new dog Cali and she demanded attention. Oakley took it in stride and never made a fuss over her. Oakley aimed to please and he was loyal and comforting. He helped me through the deaths of my parents and many other hard times. Just his presence calmed me. He loved Christmas. We used the same bags for the dog’s presents for years and he came to know what those bags meant – presents for him!! He was more excited on Christmas morning than anyone else in the family. Now Cali is trying to over come her grief. She is sad and confused. I think they had a much richer relationship then they let on. Or she is just sad she can’t steal his dinner every night! I will miss Oakley forever. He was perfect. Never asked for much, just love. It is one of the hardest things in the world to choose to have your dog euthanized. How do we know for sure that it was their time? It is a question I will live with for the rest of my days. Rest in Peace Oakley. I will love you forever.