Xena was a wonderful companion. She was such a smart dog, knowing how to retrieve a ball from the time she was 10 weeks old. She would place the ball exactly where you wanted it. Xena loved nap time with me, curling up on the couch together as soon as I grabbed a blanket. She was my constant shadow, at my feet under the table, sitting under the piano bench while I practiced. She loved it when you whispered in her ear, as though she understood and would make funny noises in reply. I've not met many dogs as special as Xena, and it has been such a tremendous privilege to have shared life with her.