In Loving Memory

Our sweet little Gia, our little baby. From the day we rescued you as a tiny puppy, you filled our home with more love, laughter, and happiness than we ever thought possible. You had the gentlest soul and the kindest heart. Your purpose in life was so simple, yet so extraordinary: to love everyone you met and make them smile. You had your wagging dipper that never seemed to stop, your springy little leggers that bounced with excitement, your big licker that made everyone feel loved, and that little sniffer that was always hard at work exploring the world around you. And those precious baby noises, your little oinks, were why we always called you our little baby. They melted our hearts every single day. You never asked for much. You simply wanted to be close to the people you loved. Whether you were curled up beside us, greeting us with endless excitement, or making us laugh with your silly personality, you reminded us every day what unconditional love truly looks like. Our hearts are broken, and our home feels so much quieter without you. But we are forever grateful for every cuddle, every kiss, every laugh, and every moment we shared together. You were the best little girl anyone could ever hope for, and we were so incredibly lucky that you chose us to be your family. You will forever be our little baby, and we will carry you in our hearts for the rest of our lives. You are already missed more than words can ever express. Run free, sweet Gia. Until we meet again.

We love you and miss you so much Bo bear!

Boomer. My baby boy. Thank you for saving my life. For sharing your bravery with me. For showing me love, more so than I could ever dream of. You were there for me in the darkest and brightest moments and always made sure that we were in it together. I miss you so desperately, and I’ll continue to look for you everywhere until we meet again.

Nicodemus has been my constant feline companion and friend since I took him home on December 10th, 2009. He gave me unconditional love and has been a part of my family for the last 16 years and 6 months. I love him so much, saying goodbye was the hardest decision I have ever made. He was with me through many of the biggest phases and transitions in my early adult life: undergraduate school, moving in with my future husband and his cat Nidalee, my first job out of college, graduate school, buying our first house, getting married, and my postdoctoral research. He's impacted me and my husband's life journey in immeasurable ways that we will never forget. Remembering his personality quirks, our daily routines, and special memories with him will bring us happiness, but we will also miss him dearly for the rest of our lives.

"You will always be Daddy's Fat Boy and Mamma's Catfish!" We Love & Miss You Big Boy.....xoxoxoxoxoxo

Ryder was our first family dog and truly a part of everything as our family of four grew together. Now that our kids are 16 and 20, it’s hard to imagine those years without him by our side. He was our steady presence, our rock, and brought so much comfort and happiness into our home. Ryder loved car rides, trips to the beach, and especially swimming in the pool. Those little moments will always stay with us. Ryder, we loved you so much, and we know you loved us just as deeply. We miss you more than words can say and will carry you in our hearts forever.

Max, 14 years with you was truly a blessing. You gave the kids and I everything and more. I know you are up in heaven with Malachi, your sister-Layla, and Emma Rose. This one really hurts but I know you are no longer in pain. 💔🐾 Your paw prints are forever on our hearts.

Lexi you were my best buddy for 15 years. I love you and miss more than I can say. I pray you are up there with your sister chasing bunnies.

Iggy, you brought so much peace and joy and love to our household. You are missed and will always be in our hearts. No matter what comes next ypu can never be replaced. Go in peace. We love you

Gizmo Vivas — A Good Boy in Every Sense of the Word There are dogs you love, and then there are dogs that change you. Gizmo was the second kind. He was an English Golden Retriever with a joyful bounce in his step and a way of looking up at you mid-walk — pure, uncomplicated happiness in his eyes — that made whatever you were carrying feel a little lighter. He was a cuddle bug and a loaner all at once, somehow knowing exactly which one you needed that day. Scratch his chest and he'd tap your hand with his paw, his version of don't you dare stop, Dad. He loved adventures the way some dogs love food — completely and without reservation. The moment he saw you heading to the car, something lit up in him. Old Florida back roads, trails through the Smoky Mountains, it didn't matter where. What mattered was that he was going, and he was going with you. And when he got there — that joy of arrival, ready to explore everything — that image doesn't leave you. In his final days we sang him Happy Birthday. Twelve days straight. Because he deserved to be celebrated every single one of them. He was the kind of dog that made non-dog people reconsider everything. Puppies meeting other dogs for the first time sought him out. Rescues finding their footing in a new home calmed in his presence. He had a gift for that — for making others feel safe just by being himself. He was my adventure buddy. My comic relief. My best friend. He left in peace, pain-free, surrounded by love — exactly what he gave us every day he was here. Go find Onyx, Nike, Henry, KC, and Coopy, buddy. We sang you out right. See you later, Gizmo. 🤍🌈🐾 Forever in our hearts — Dad, Tío & Banjo