Written by Kim Jones to Trisha Shanks via Facebook on June 1, 2015

Hi Trisha,

I hope this message finds you well. I just wanted to apologize for causing so much stress and havoc in your life. If you can ever find it in your heart to forgive me, for Cedar, I would be so happy.

I don't want it to seem like I am making excuses for my actions at all by saying this, but in the last little while I have come to realize that I have become a very negative person. I am trying to change this and with this email I hope to help better my image on you. My life hasn't been the easiest over the past few years. I wish that my concussions were the only negative thing that has happened, but that isn't the case. I think that these experiences had changed me and made me forget who I am as a person. You saw me at one of my worst times and I am truly sorry for that.

I hope you know that this entire time, my anger only came from love of Cedar. Thinking back I understand why he didn't arrive in perfect condition. He was given back to you with more or less no notice at a very difficult time in your life. You had two litters in addition to health problems with your dear Splash. I cannot begin to imagine how busy that must have been. It was just a shock to me getting Cedar and dealing with few health issues. I could go on about why specifically I got more and more upset, but I don't really believe that is important.

I know you love your dogs and I know you did your best for Cedar. I am very sorry to hear about Splash, I can't imagine how much you are hurting right now. I would love the opportunity to start over again, but would understand if you would not want that.

Cedar is doing wonderful! He's only had two bites with us. One was shortly after he arrived when someone walking up the driveway scared him at the cottage. The other was unfortunately not too long ago when we were in the front yard doing some gardening. He was tied on the front porch and a young toddler unattended came walking up our driveway to say hello to the doggie. Eric ran to get in between them and got a little nip, but it wasn't a bad bite at all. Since then he's been a bit more nervous around kids, but prior to that as long as he was with me and on leash he could walk right by kids, bikes, electric scooters, you name it! And he started dock diving, I encourage you to go on my instagram and look for the video of his first dive as it was quite humorous. Just as I predicted he ran full speed and then decided at the last minute he didn't want to jump in resulting in him falling face first into the pool. Health wise he's been great. We've figured out his allergies are unfortunately environmental in addition to certain proteins. He itching isn't bad though with his medley of coconut oil, fish oil, and probiotics. He's comfortable, but just itches a bit more than the average dog. I don't think he needs medication for it. We're very diligent about drying out his ears after swimming and we've gotten away with just using a natural ear cleaner every once and a while to avoid infections.

I hope you believe in second chances and would really like to be able to keep you updated on Cedar's life.

Hopefully we'll talk soon,

Kim