In Memory
Eric Lonnie Knapp
July 7, 1980 – March 18, 2006
In March 18, 2006 my life changed in a way that I never wanted to experience. God decided that my son’s work was done and that he needed him more than we did. There are no words that can explain the feelings that I am experiencing or how much my heart aches. Eric was a true inspiration in many ways. I watched him go from day to day never complaining or wondering why he had to live his life as he did. He cherished every moment with our family the same as we did with him and had more desire to live than one could imagine. He beat the odds by living 12 more years than expected, living his life to the maximum. He graduated from high school and college with honors despite his challenges of every day life.
It was Eric who was instrumental in starting my dog business. He loved to be surrounded by our dogs and puppies. He was so excited when new puppies were about to arrive. My dog business allowed me to be home with him each and every day and yet do something we both loved. Each and every day as I continue to work with my dogs and puppies, I miss his sparkling eyes and wonderful smile — the smile that I started each and every day with.
Eric’s motto “Never Give Up” and his determination was so evident over and over …. and he continued fighting right up to his last days of life. He is my hero and the one one that has taught me more about life than anyone else ever can or will.
Casey Knapp
January 16, 1994 – September 12, 2006
In September my life changed even more. My beloved Casey, my soul mate went to be with Eric. He was
my constant companion and the one that knew more about my feelings and thoughts than any human ever could. He never left my side as I cared for my son and made sure that my emotions were in check at all times. If he thought I was getting too emotional while caring for Eric, he would do silly things to make me happy and he knew that I could not help but laugh as he sat up like a chipmunk, twirled in circles and threw his toys into the air.
Casey gave me so much strength as I faced my every day challenges. His unconditional love was always there for me no matter what and he never let me down…..not even once during his 12 years of life. I always felt he would risk his own life before he would disappoint me. He helped me through the crucial last years of my time with Eric and I could never have made it without him.
Casey was a certified service dog and pet therapy dog and loved to work in public with me. I never needed to worry about his behavior anytime, any place. He was always perfect.
I know that he and Eric are together and that Eric has a part of me with him.
