It seemed like every able body from within a hundred-mile radius showed up for Margaret's funeral. Neither the funeral home nor the reception hall was large enough to hold the group all at one time. Even with the loss of her partner and best friend, Star managed to keep the clinic and turned away no animal in need. She knew that's how Margaret would have wanted it. Although Kate's decision to become a veterinarian was a struggle, she did attend college and did her best to follow in her mother's footstep. Eventually, she became a full partner in the clinic. With the agreement with the staff, the name of the clinic was changed. The sleigh that Michael built was eventually brought out again, and for one special reason, Michael felt a warm and tender caring touch from Star. Michael survived a severe heart attack. While he was in the hospital, without realizing what she had agreed to and not knowing that Michael realized what he was saying, Star agreed to take a trip with Michael to the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. One evening while at the kitchen table, Harold and Kate sat in discussion and wondered if Michael and Star would return as a married couple.