Dear Friends,
I come to you with a broken heart, yet one that carries a lightness and sense of peace.

Dixie the Tiny Dog crossed the Rainbow Bridge Saturday, October 19, just before sunset, when Mother Nature began casting her beautiful colors.

Dixie came to me in 2017 as a rescue yet I know it was really me whom she rescued. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor and a fighter who braved kidney disease and multiple other infections throughout her life.

Dixie loved the beach, a cute outfit, a good back scratch (and spanking!) and bellying up to the bar. She traveled across the country multiple times, enjoyed whatever you were eating, and took her job as a co-pilot, emotional support animal, CSEA Negotiator and “Campus 8” (her radio call sign) very seriously.

As I have made my rounds over the last couple days and saw different staff and students on campus, I realized Dixie did not have just an inner circle but a whole microcosm at LAHS and extending further across our district.

For such a little body, Dixie was full of might, spunk, and determination. I often saw staff and students light up at her presence, share laughter, or find comfort in her company. Dixie was a true giver.

If you ever experienced one of her gifts — whether it was a smile, a laugh, support, or comfort — I encourage you to honor her legacy by passing on that kindness and sharing a smile, providing a moment of laughter, or lending a helping hand to someone or something in need.

Dixie told her animal communicator that our lives were filled with so many people and friends. How very lucky we are and I thank you all for playing the roles that you have in my and my little girl’s life!

Rest easy, Dixie… We’ll take it from here…