Dakota Kent

March 1, 2013 – January 28, 2020 After an unexpected and rapid battle with Hemangiosarcoma, Dakota passed peacefully with mom and dad by his side on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Some believe in fate, some believe in soulmates, and some believe in both. Finding Dakota was fate and he quickly became our soulmate. He could read a room with intense accuracy and if you were in need of comfort or love, Dakota knew just how to help. When he and his littermates were only a few weeks old, my husband drove to New Jersey to meet the five little potatoes. He knew instantly that “blue boy” was the one. Dakota arrived home at eight weeks old and as he grew, so did the ways in which he would forever change our lives. A thief of socks, shoes, bark mulch, and paper products, Dakota always found a way to challenge us and make us laugh. He taught us the true essence of unconditional love. He was the winner of any kissing contest and made an award worthy effort to meticulously clean Daddy’s face each day. When he was not wrestling with his Golden brother Finn, hiding toys in the couch or under the coffee table clubhouse, or practicing his mid-air twirls in the living room, he could be found curled in Mommy’s lap. There he could stay for hours. Over the years, he perfected his ability to unwrap a gift in seconds and became selective with the dogs he liked and those he disliked. The good dogs received an excited, playful bark from him. The bad dogs received a little snarl. He had a signature cry of excitement for each of his Grampys and Grammy’s shoe was instantly scooped up into his mouth to prevent her from leaving him when she returned home. The holidays introduced him to dinner rolls and green beans, the foods he would happily consider a well-balanced diet. Tummy time was an essential part of every day and toothbrush time was a celebration. Dakota was an expert swimmer and if given a pile of mud, dig he would. He had many favorite toys, but nothing was more special than a honking duck or an orange ball. Over the years, his nose become a distinct shade of brick red, only further enhancing his level of handsome. He was always cautious and valued the safety of the backseat during a car ride. He found his way between any hug we shared and sat in the middle of our marriage proposal. Later he would assume the role of Best Dog at our wedding. When the four of us were together, the world felt complete. Dakota was part of everything we did and he shaped us into the people we are today. His impacts reach far beyond the days he shared with us on this earth. His passing cut into the depths of our souls and collectively, we have never shared a greater loss.