An especially difficult loss has devastated all of us at CAC.  Our beloved Reilly, who had graced us with his love and beautiful spirit for the past 11 years, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 5/31/12 at the tender age of 14 leaving us all empty and raw.  Reilly was a very special soul. He spoke to us with his eyes - more clearly than I could ever explain. One would have had to experience it to understand the depths of this amazing canine. Even after surviving liver cancer, a spleenectomy and battling the effects of debilitating arthritis, he would still channel his inner puppy and show off for his special friends on his walks. Some days he would saunter around the yard, roll in the grass and beckon a good belly rub, but without fail, every so often, he would surprise us all with trotting off down the street, showing us all he still had it in him, reminding us of his unwaivering will to live life to the fullest and hold his head high - laughing in the face of all who said he was past his prime.  No - not Reilly - his spirit shone bright until his very last moments when he told us with his eyes that it was time to rest. His devoted mama Karin is beyond consolation at the loss of her dear best friend and companion, and we are all grieving along with her at the loss of our beloved Reilly.  Karin rescued Reilly and gave him the most incredible life and in turn, he gave her the most precious gift of unconditional love and friendship.  Theirs was a true and impermiable bond that transcends this world.  It has taken me almost 2 weeks to write Reilly's memorial, and I do so now through tears, still mourning this great loss and struggling to find the words to express just how special he was.  In our work, we meet many dogs and grow to love them all so very much. But once in a lifetime, a rare spirit comes along and steals our hearts away beyond expectation. Reilly was one of those souls - and he has taken a huge piece of each of us with him.  Reilly was a gentleman and a friend, more human than most humans I know, and his passing has left us all beyond heartbroken. Reilly was unique in every way. A comedian and a genius, a confidant and a partner -  but above all, Reilly was family to all of us, and to say that he will be missed, only begins to scratch the surface.  May you soar on the wings of Angels old friend. Your absence has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.  Your friendship was a once in a lifetime gift and we will cherish your memory every day.  Rest easy my dear Reilly Muffin...we will meet again  -- and we will roll in the grass together.