After only being diagnosed with kidney failure five days prior, we are happy that our pride-and-joy did not have to suffer for long, but are deeply broken by the loss.
After years of her sister wanting a dog, Layla's mom caved and Layla became a permanent member of the family at 13 weeks old. Layla immediately crawled right onto her sister's lap, a place she would become very familiar with over the next near-decade, and was a place where she would fittingly pass away. Very much a Schnauzer, Layla quickly began ruling the house and knew what she wanted and just how to get it.

She was very certain of herself and at times bossy, especially to her big sister. Traditionally the little sister follows around the big sister, but not in this household! Layla liked to be all tough with her sister, but we all know the special soft spot she had for her.

One of Layla's favorite things to do was sit out on the porch with her beloved mom. There was no person that Layla admired more. Both of their favorite things was to keep watch on the neighborhood and they sure loved to do it together. Layla loved to ride in her mom and sister's car to the local coffee shop to get a pup cup. We are pretty sure she could eat one in record time.

Layla absolutely loved when her bed was on the floor in the dining room laying in the sun spot. That became her favorite part of her morning routine. She also loved standing on the dining room chair and barking at every person, dog, or leaf that went by. They say Schnauzer's bark a lot, we can neither confirm nor deny. Most of all, Layla loved to be involved in everything! Layla became a part of every hug, every conversation, and every room we were in. It became illegal to have a door shut in our house!

From Layla's sister: Layla, my favorite memories of all will always be laying together in the mornings, as close as we could possibly be. I doubt I will ever experience as much comfort in my life again as I did in those moments. Words cannot express how much quality you added to my life. You are the greatest joy. While I may now be experiencing the greatest pain, even if there is a lifetime of sadness, those 9 years with you would be absolutely worth it. I hope you wrote your story the way you wanted it and I will spend a lifetime re-reading every word of it. Rest so peacefully, Buggie. Don't forget to come visit me every once in a while. There will always be a spot on my lap for you. With all the love and every thought, Sissy

From Layla's mom: Dearest Layla, Thank you for all that you have added to my life and my heart these last nine years. When we brought you into our home, never could I have known how much I would love you. Your comfort, love and warmth were immense. You have been such an important part of our family. You have provided strength, love and friendship. Many of my best memories have you in it. You will always hold a most precious place in my heart. I love you my beautiful stinky. I think the biggest honor that I can give you, your sister said it perfectly, is "most of all, thanks for everything." I wish you peace, love and happiness. Love Forever, Mom

Layla's ashes are now on the mantel in our living room, so she can keep an eye on things and look down at the couch that she sat on with her family for all of those years. Layla's world may have been small, but the love we had for her was at max capacity. Thank you for being our greatest gift. We hope you loved your life as much as we loved you. Thank you, Layla.