Loss is no stranger to any of us. We lose things everyday. Sometimes it’s something as small as spare change, directions, phone numbers or as big as a friend, family member, or business deal. The feeling is always the same: a sense of emptiness and sometimes bewilderment. Seldom can we add awe-inspiring and overwhelmed by true joy to the emotions we feel even with the pain of losing a dear companion. Today, Don and I can.

Let me back up. Don and I came to the Santa Clarita Valley 13 years ago tasked with the challenge of acquiring a flailing dealership. We put our nose to the grindstone, worked hard and turned our business around. We didn’t do it alone, though. Loyal customers, dedicated employees, and a world of wonderful family and friends made the difference for us. At the top of the friends-and-family list has been our three mascot dogs: Scooter, Spark Plug and Speed Bump.

Scooter was with us on Day One and an integral part of our business and family life every day up until just a few short weeks ago. His passing has sent shockwaves through our dealership and our home. While not unexpected – Scooter was diagnosed with intestinal cancer several months back – he crashed in a single day leaving us far too quickly.

What came next was totally unexpected: an outpouring of compassion that would rival a head-of-state passing. Don’t get me wrong; we are blessed with wonderful friends and employees who feel our pain and understand the depth of our loss. In many ways, Scooter was as much a part of their lives as ours. What we weren’t prepared for was the amazing outpouring of compassion and kindness of humanity we received from casual acquaintances, business relations and even strangers.

We understand that this is a crazy, busy world for all of us. It’s easy to get caught up with the difficult economic times upon us and other pressures that stress the best of us daily. But at the time of our loss, so many people set aside the difficulties in their own lives to extend their heartfelt sorrow to us. All the pressures of the world turned into a sea of compassion. That groundswell of love and compassion is truly appreciated and has given us a whole new look on humanity and the times we live in.

Thank you to the community for your outpouring of love and support. Thank you Dr. Lisa Pope at the Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center for the loving care you and your staff gave Scooter, and thank you to the professional staff at All Creatures Emergency Center who made those final moments with Scooter the most loving ones we could have imagined. And thank you, Scooter, for the amazing, uplifting life lessons you gave us each and every day.

Official greeter, loyal companion and beloved friend – Scooter, you will always be a special part of Valencia Acura and the Fleming household, and sorely missed. Best friends forever.