Ava
Dogs die.
But dogs live, too.
Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us, and make our lives a little brighter, and they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow.”
– Dan Gemeinhart
AVA MARIE SMALLWOOD
August 21st, 2014 – November 5th 2025
Ava Left this World November 5th, 2025 Surrounded by her loving Family and favorite Veterinarian Dr Megan. Ava was so loved by her family and friends Leaving behind her Mom, Dad (Ashley & Lance Smallwood) 4 dog sisters (Dally, Mavis, Tuesday & Sadie), and two dog brothers (Blu & Bear), along with her grandma and grandpa (Karen & Calvin Johnston) & (Judy & Floyd Smallwood) and her gunkles (Karl & Andrew Johnston), and so so many adopted family members and friends.
Ava was truly her Moms Ride or Die, they traveled all over the Country together from The Oregon Coast to Kentucky and about every barrel racing venue in between. She loved sitting at barrel races mostly just to beg strangers for their snacks! Riding in the car was her favorite past time, well other than going to Murdochs to visit anyone who would talk to her. When her mom was sick Ava would spend hours just laying in bed with her especially after her wreck in 2019. From feeding horses to watching her mom spend hours riding Ava was her moms biggest cheerleader, she believed I could do anything.
Ava loved a good adventure…Mostly Barrel Racing because well she didn’t get to pick the adventures. She loved all her adopted Horse kids (Harlie, Jessica, Abby, Emerson, Taylor, Danica and Josie and many more). Ava loved puppies, Cookies, Most every human she met, Her dog bed that was to small for her, and maybe most of all her monthly grooming appointments with her Auntie Jordie, she lived for her spa days. She also loved chasing her nemesis Thursday the Cat, and before Thursday Weeds was her nemesis.
We will forever be grateful for the 11 years we spent with Ava, and longing for the day we get to heaven to see her again. I am sure that as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge her brother Ricky and sisters Rope, Bindee, and CeeCee, her best dog friends Keeva, and Lucy are waiting for her to run up to Grandma Carols for a treat. Enjoy Heaven Ava you earned it you were a good and Loyal best friend for all of your years.
