Kenzie Vandongen

May 23rd, 2011 - July 10th, 2025

𝗜𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗶𝗲
One in a million. One of a kind.

Kenzie wasn’t just a dog. She was 𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 —my shadow, my comfort, my constant. Her loyalty ran deeper than words could ever express. She always knew where I was, always made eye contact like she knew exactly what I was saying. (And honestly, I think she did).

Kenzie was unbelievably smart, loyal and deeply bonded to me. She was quiet and shy at first but fiercely loving once she trusted you. She had a strong will, a determined stare that she used to get her way — and somehow, it always worked. She was a little kangaroo in her younger years — jumping over fences, out of the truck & up onto anything she could climb. Whether this was a raised planter box, or the top of a snow pile, she had to be ‘king of the castle.’ She was adventurous, wild-spirited, and always took the lead on walks.

Kenzie lived for the outdoors, no matter the weather. Rain, wind, snow, or heat — Kenzie would only come inside when we were at work or asleep. She was most herself in the garden, (laying exactly where she knew she shouldn’t), surrounded by everything she loved, especially the bunnies. They were her very best friends — I couldn’t even feed them without her. She adored them and their bond was truly admirable. She also had a special affection for other animals, especially puppies and sheep. Her gentle heart seemed to recognize innocence and meet it with love.

Kenzie was born on the farm and has never known a life without me. At the time, I wasn’t even looking for a dog, but I couldn’t help but fall in love with her. The connection we made was irresistible. She came to work with me through every season — Adanac, Shackletons, gardening jobs, even the occasional photoshoot. She was always by my side. She hated the car ride but never wanted to be left behind.

Kenzie was a worrier, but had this beautiful way of seeking comfort, often looking to me for reassurance. And I, was 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 there —just like she was for me.

She was breathtakingly beautiful — her coloring so striking with incredibly expressive eyes. People would often stop us, just to compliment her. But it wasn’t just her looks. It was the presence she carried; her heart was so big, her energy so strong and she loved her people unconditionally. There will never be another like her. She gave so much, and in return? She just wanted to be close or outside, in her element.

The yard feels so quiet now. The house too. Her absence echoes in all the places she used to lay, perch or follow close behind. But in my heart, I know our time had come. I know she’s still out there somewhere, high up leading the way and above all else, she’s with me everywhere I go.

Thank you for every moment we’ve shared, Kenz. You were my once-in-a-lifetime.
You always will be.