Dana Espresso To Go - danaespressotogo

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Welcome to Dana's Website

Thank you for all your support and for taking a moment to read our loving memories of our very faithful companion, Dana. 

Dana was a super special dog and she will be missed terribly.  She will be be in our hearts forever.  Here we share with you her story and pictures of her fun adventures.

As we approach 2 weeks, it does not seem to get any easier.  Life is definitely different without Dana.  Tom and I are still very sad but the day we had to say good-bye to our sweet Dana girl was one of the saddest days of our lives.  Those who knew her knew how incredibly sweet Dana was.  Her beautiful eyes drew you in...and you fell in love with her...there was just no way around it.

Dana's Story

Dana walked into our lives on February 15, 2003.  Seven years ago we were looking for a young female yellow lab. We listed with Golden Gate Lab Rescue and when we read Dana's profile we had to meet her...even though she was 6 years old and black. Her and Bill (her dad at the time) came to interview us. We were one of the last families they were interviewing that day. It was our lucky day because Dana chose us. Bill was amazed at the way she was behaving in our home. She was very excited which is expected in a new and unknown environment. In the middle of the house, she dropped to the floor and rolled around silly on her back. Bill mentioned that she usually did this at home and did not do this with any of the other families. He immediately took it as a sign...her way of telling him, "This is it, Dad!" I'm happy to say, that day we welcomed Dana to our family!

She gave us Unconditional Love.  Dana gave her love freely, not just to us, but to everyone she met along the way. She would look into your eyes (tilt her head) and that was it...she melted your heart. We spoiled her rotten but it was all worth it. We were happy when she was happy and she was happy when we were happy. She had a wagging tail that was constant and a great smile that was never ending.  When she got excited she jumped up and down in front of you (rather than on you) and she shifted her feet and did her silly dance.

She brought us Joy.  Dana lived a happy life and was always happy.  She loved the simple things.  From a short stroll down the street to a long hike on the trails.  She loved soaking out in the great outdoors under the sunshine and she also enjoyed the sun from inside.  She would follow the sun spots on the carpet.  She loved a spoonful of ice cream or even just licking what little was left in our bowls.  She loved the smell of ocean in the air as we approached the beach or the scent of pine as we're winding up the woods.  She even loved the fresh cool breeze on any afternoon.

Dana and Aloha Pet Services

Dana took a huge role in Aloha Pet Services. I started Aloha Pet Services 7 years ago, few weeks after she walked into our lives. She inspired me to do what I've always loved and to continue doing what I've been doing but as Aloha Pet Services.

She loved going for a rides. As a matter of fact, she loved going everywhere and anywhere with us.  She enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people.  Sometimes we would let her sit up front on the passenger seat and she would put her head on the dash board or stick her nose out the window...and watch as the world flew by. 

She the best "assistant" and Aloha Pet Services was better because of her. She helped me walk so many dogs and most of the time made it easier to handle because they looked up to her and adored her.  Dana was so mellow that she calmed down even the most hyper dogs and eased the timid ones. 

She would accompany me to as many events, mixers and meetings that would allow a dog.  If the venue was dog friendly or outdoors, Dana was by my side.  She enjoyed the Chamber Ribbon Cuttings and Block Parties but most of all she liked attending the Community Partners and Ambassadors meetings.  She also liked it when I brought her a few times to my early morning networking group, Letip San Leandro. I think some of her favorites were hanging out all day with us for our numerous table top exhibits and booths for Cherry Festival and other festivals.  Dana became an icon. Everywhere I go...I still get asked, "Where is Dana?"

Dana was with me for Aloha Pet Services' Ribbon Cutting and enjoyed every Anniversary Picnic that we celebrated in the Spring.  Unfortunately, she will not be at our 7th Annual Picnic.  She will be there is spirit as we enjoy our memories of her.  This years picnic is scheduled for Sunday, May 16th at 12noon at San Leandro Marina Park.  Please let know if you are able to attend this year.  I'll ensure you are on the Evite and that way you'll also receive the reminder a few days prior to the event. 

Dana and Four Paws Society

Four Paws Society was started by a small group of animal lovers and friends in 2004. The driving project was to get a dog park in San Leandro but the organization grew to include bigger projects and larger goals.

We don't have a secure fencend in area we can take our dogs to exercise and run off-leash in San Leandro. Dana and I would go to city parks and try to play fetch but because of the leash laws it was illegal to take your dog off-leash.  I would try to find secluded areas nearby so we could play fetch but I felt uncomfortable.  We usually did not bother anyone as Dana was very well behaved and all she ever was concerned about was her tennis ball or frisbee.  It did not matter, we still were frowned upon and given dirty looks.

Unfortunately, we are still waiting on San Leandro's first dog park.  After 2 1/2 years a dog park was finally approved but it still needs to be built.  We plan on dedicating a tree, a bench or a corner in Dana's memory.  We will be selling home made gourmet dog biscuits, "Dana's Cookies," to help raise money for her memorial.  Let me know if you want to buy or help sell "Dana's Cookies".

The second annual PAW-A-THON is also approaching us quickly. Dana helped and enjoyed the very successful event last year.  It is set for Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 8am-12noon at San Leandro Marina Park and 1-mile Par Course.  Dana had a great time walking the par course and visiting the pet resource fair last year.  As a matter of fact, she raised more money than I did last year.  This year, I will be walking in her memory.  If you would like to make a donation in her honor please let me know or go to our fundraising page at Firstgiving.com/AlohaPets. 

Even better, if you would like to join us you can register for the event.  Even you don't attend or plan on walking, you can still join our team "In Loving Memory of Dana."  Please also feel free to create your very own personal fundraising page at Firstgiving.com/pawathon.

Dana's Health

Dana suffered from very minor health problems. Chronic ear infections and allergies were the two ailments we tried to stay on top of and managed as best as we could.  When we first got her, she was about 70 lbs.  She slowly went up to 80 lbs then to quickly to 85 lbs right after being spayed.  My bad!  After a few reprimands (especially after her knee surgery,) I got her weight back down and we maintained her nice figure at about 75 lbs.

She blew out her ACL and had knee surgery in May 2004. The surgery kept her up and about and active for all these years. We had issues with the hardware in her knees but nothing we could not manage. In the last couple years arthritis in her opposite leg/hips started to act up but she refused to slow down. We stared hydrotherapy and other physical therapy at Scouts House in Menlo Park. The results were amazing and Dana loved the love and attention they gave her while there.

She was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2005.  I started taking her to Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center and we were able to slow down the disease for 5 years. Her kidneys finally shut down but we squeezed as much as we could out of it. She was such a strong spirit and her body adapted to whatever came her way and she did so well.

Dana was always the best and trusting of all patients.  Our good friend, Dr. McKinney and Mobile Vet (All Seasons Mobile Vet) was always there and available for the many questions we had when issues struck or when Dana did something to tweak her body. She always acted like a young pup and sometimes her body could not accommodate the "activities" she thought she could still do. 

Dana's Final Chapter

Letting Dana go has been one of the most heart-wrenching decisions we've had to make. Between her failing kidneys and pancreatitis she took a turn for the worse practically overnight. It happened so quickly and we was not expecting to have to suddenly say good-bye to her.

As soon as they brought her into the room we immediately knew what we had to do for her.  We had to let her go so she would not suffer another day.  We knew that it was her time and we wanted her to make that transition as peacefully and with as much dignity as possible.

We spent some time with her and I laid next to her and gave her one last hug as we told her good-bye and how much we loved her.  When it was time to help Dana leave her failing body, we told her what a good girl she was and that everything was going to be okay.  I looked in her dear eyes one last time and tears came, but as she peacefully slipped away and her transition was over, I stroked her face and kissed her good-bye and let my tears flow. 

Dana is missed terribly and she'll be in our hearts forever. We were lucky to have her in our life for 7 wonderful years. Not long enough but we are grateful for that time and that she had 13 wonderful years.  We will cherish our memories of her forever.

Great Memories of Dana


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5/17/2012 7:46:29 PM