Team Knollwood lost part of its soul on Saturday when Carol and Scott had to let Hazel go.

Hazel was a therapist for anyone having a rough day. How many of you enjoyed Hazel leaning into you when she knew you needed her?

Hazel loved all the Knollwood Kids. Scott and Carol’s house couldn’t contain her during camp, as she HAD to be in the barn when the campers arrived. Hazel’s summer days were spent with the camp kids. When they laid in the sun for naps, so did Hazel.

Hazel knew patterns in the arena. She kept of the way as she counted serpentine loops and circles. When riders were working on crazy patterns, we created safe places for her highness to enjoy the sun.

Hazel raised Izzy to be a good Matton. With patience and the occasional reprimand, Hazel helped Izzy grow from a crazy puppy into a proper horse show dog. Of course, Izzy loves everyone, as Hazel taught her.

Most of all, Hazel loved Carol and Scott. The look in her eyes when it was time to go back to the house with them as all you needed to see.

For a dog found running the roads of rural Arkansas and sent to a Boxer rescue, Hazel lived a heavenly dog life with Scott and Carol. She had the freedom of life on a farm, parents who adored her, horse show dog friends around the country, dog friends at home, and a tribe of people who adored her every day. And kids. Millions of kids.

We wish her peace, sunny naps, and play with her friends who went over the bridge before her.

There will never be another Hazel Belle Boxer Matton, but we’re all better people for having been in her world for a while.