Kahm our beloved boy passed away Friday evening Oct. 10, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the truest of companions to our family, a shadow that walked, biked, ran, skied, dove, jumped, slept and climbed —always beside us.

He wasn't your typical dog; he only retrieved a ball once in his life. His favorite thing was to rock dive; he loved to climb ladders and howl "I love you." His vice was milk bones. He loved to snowmobile perched atop the seat, surfing snow laden trails. He liked to eat blueberries lying down in the blueberry fields.

He went to work with one us his whole life. He learned how to open the windows in the house and push out the screens — we could never really leave him alone. He very much let us know this, so we worked with it and have loved and cherished every moment with such a blessed protector and guide.

As soon as our daughter, River, could talk, she called Kahm, "goodboy" all the time; when she was 3 she asked us who "Kahm" was?

Kahm was all "goodboy," his smile made you smile. He walked with contentment and adventure in his eyes. He so sacredly shared his "way" with us and I feel so gifted to have been given the grace of his unique life shared with mine and ours. To me, he was my walking serenity, and I will forever be grateful for our unity.

Our family would like to thank those of you who embraced Kahm's freedoms and treated him so much like "one of the family."

The Landers for his home away from home and all those fall treats. Steve, Tom and Charlie, for all the years, cookies and affection. Kimberly for the time, patience and understanding. Mark, Paul and Judy for the leisurely entertainment and safe rides home. Longfellow's for allowing us to dine out on the deck with Kahm watching summer sunsets alongside the river. Sugarloaf for allowing Kahm to ride the chairlift all those years. The Sweeneys for their tolerance and affection. The UPS guy who went above and beyond for Kahm. Merlin for returning all of his smiles. Everyone else on Maple St. who gave Kahm his daily cookie route; the folks at Anni's and Trantens for sending him safely on his way back home. And a big thank-you to our friends and family for all your many lovely embraces.

To Kahm... Tina Chase, Whit Horn and River Horn.