KaCey (and please notice the emphasis on the “K” and the “C” and her name should make so much sense!) was a Keystone Camp fixture for 13 years. She arrived on Team Games day in the June session of 2011, not long after my father had passed away. KaCey rapidly became my constant companion, following me everywhere I went around camp. She also endeared herself to the campers.
KaCey left this world with barely a peep. We can only conclude that it was a heart attack. She had been in declining health for the past year. However, in spite of her decline, she insisted that she maintain her routine of accompanying me to work each day.
KaCey loved to hang out on the top step of the office porch overseeing the movement of the many campers who passed by on their way to and from their activities. She received great benefit from this position as it was hard for any camper to pass KaCey without stopping to pet her. KaCey’s other favorite spot was on the corner of the green. Again, a strategic position for maximum petting.
Perhaps the habit KaCey was most known for was barking at the dining hall doors. Somehow, she knew when the tables were being cleared and it became imperative that she get herself into the dining hall to help clean up the floors. KaCey was always thinking of being helpful!
There is no doubt that many of you will miss KaCey as much as we will. She had a great long life, and she was dearly loved by so many. Her personality was very special, and we all felt KaCey’s depth of spirit.
The life of a camp dog is really special. You have so many hands loving on you all summer long. There are trails to walk in the woods, and so many scent trails to follow. You have a lake in which to take a daily dip, and you rarely ever have to go on a leash. We will have a new dog at Keystone this summer, as Catherine has adopted a precious little yellow labrador puppy, Millie. She is one lucky labrador and will be joining her aunt and uncle, Duke and Apple, in all of the fun that a summer at Keystone can bring.
