Keeler passed away peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Night, 2024. Keeler was born in 2007 in Memphis, TN. She was a Labrador and Pointer mix, bred for duck hunting. Unfortunately, Keeler did not want to retrieve anything and detested water. Both were distinct liabilities for a ‘duck dog,’ but her best trait was that of not barking at everything. If Keeler barked, you had better find out why, as her barking meant business.

Keeler was a city girl and had an appetite for chicken bones cast aside on Union Avenue in Memphis. People in Midtown Memphis know what I am talking about with numerous takeouts within close proximity of each other. Keeler was food jealous, so despite your best intentions, you just had to leave her alone. She spent many hours with her best friend Stella at the Tobey Dog Park, where for a short period she could run and play without having to stay on a sidewalk.

Three years ago, Keeler retired to Boones Mill, VA where she used to vacation once a year. Her days were filled with trying to chase the deer, squirrels, and rabbits, who were all just a bit faster than her. Keeler had an acute sense of smell, which served her well after her vision and hearing diminished. She loved to follow whatever animal’s trail was in front of her.

Keeler lived an exceptionally long life for a dog of her mix and never seemed to have a bad day. I give thanks every day for having her in my life and will miss her greatly. I am comforted by knowing we will be reunited one day.