Cheyanne, a Labrador retriever who died unexpectedly in September, was honored by the Borough of Northampton Monday.

A plaque was placed under an ornamental tree at an island off the Center Street municipal parking lot, next to Affordable Pet Center, Cheyanne's former residence.

Monday's ceremony was the first time in the borough's history for a proclamation naming a day for a canine. Cheyanne, for some, was not just a dog, but rather an animal who touched the lives of hundreds of people, officials said.

Among those present at the ceremony were William and Ellen Ford, owners of Affordable Pet Center and Cheyanne's family members; Mayor Thomas Reenock; borough Manager Gene Zarayko, council President John Yurish; Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski; and borough Public Works Supervisor Steve Gerny.

"Cheyanne was a borough ambassador for K-9s," said Reenock.

The wording on the plaque reads, "A sweet gentle companion who left impressions on many hearts that will last forever."

Presenting the Fords with a framed certificate of "remembrance and dedication," the mayor said Monday, Dec. 10, is proclaimed as "Cheyanne Day in the Borough of Northampton."

Reenock said in 2005 Mary Ellen Ford visited a friend, whose dog had a litter of puppies. There, the mayor said "a sweet 8-week-old puppy caught her eye." She took the dog home and named her Cheyanne.

Cheyanne was taken to the pet center where she found a blanket in front of the store to call her own.

She soon became a customer-service expert and greeter of all the shoppers.

Noting Cheyanne died unexpectedly in September after a visit to the vet, hundreds of people around Northampton posted messages of condolences on the Fords' Facebook page and sent sympathy cards, Reenock said.

Cheyanne's memorial will be permanent.

A large picture of Cheyanne on a billboard is visible from 21st Street from the Cementon Bridge.

Yurish said Cheyanne was a fantastic dog and very friendly.