In Loving Memory

To our sweet Dirkie, we miss you so much already and we will always love you and will never forget you! You were our foster fail and I'm so thankful that you found your way to us in 2018. Every day with you was special and you filled our lives with so much joy with all your personality quirks. Thank you for all the snuggles, afternoon naps on the couch, happy grunts, your little paw dance when you moved your paws up and down quickly when you were happy to see us, pawing us when you didn't want us to stop petting you, and watching you go on "lizard patrol" in the backyard, or how you'd look at me for reassurance as you ate your food or would give me a loving glance when I talked to you during our walks. You had the perfect temperament. Walks were your absolute favorite activity, but you were also perfectly happy just lounging around the house, all you wanted was to be with us. It's been so hard, I keep expecting to see you laying in your favorite places, or waking up during the night as you jump onto the bed and paw because you want me to let you into the covers. You left a huge void that is impossible to fill. Even if we get another dog someday, that is not an attempt to replace you and does not change how much we miss and love you. I know you and Kenji weren't closely bonded, but he misses you too. I hope all your discomfort is gone and that you have been restored to your healthy, energetic self. I hope you are in an endless field up in doggy heaven with soft grass to roll in, lots of trees to sniff, dogs to play with, sunshine to bask in, and lizards to hunt. Please wait for me in the field and I hope I'll be reunited with you someday as we cross the rainbow bridge together.

Sasha was the best pittipotamus ever. She loved everyone she ever encountered. She was an excellent companion and momma dog. She is forever in our hearts.

We miss you so very much Cooper. You filled our home with love and laughter daily. The house seems empty without you. We know that you are in Doggie Heaven now chasing all the squirrels you see.

Saddest day of my life

If I could have one selfish wish, it would be that our animal companions never ail and live by our sides for the rest of our days instead of just the rest of theirs. Two weeks ago, my gray boy Watson developed a malignant tumor behind his eye. Its growth was sudden and aggressive, and began causing him to exhibit symptoms of neurological damage. Between his increasing physical pain and any surgery being highly unlikely to succeed, we made the decision that no pet parent ever wants to face and bring his story to a close. He eased into the beyond this morning nestled in his favorite couch crack, surrounded by his loved ones. Watson was the sweetest gray boy, known to all of our guests for his excellent head bonks and his "I want some!" paw taps when dinner was happening. He's been a part of my life for the past decade, through some of the bleakest times, and while I wish he could have been in it longer, I consider myself lucky that he was a part of it at all. I already miss his activation noises, his head-smoosh cuddles, how he always had to have one paw touching me, his belly-up naps in the sun, his insistence on playing lifeguard when I was in the bath. He helped Morgana and Bina integrate into the family, and he's literally the reason why I'm married right now. He did so much for me and us, and I am forever grateful for his love and company. Here's to you, Watson. You truly were the King of Cuddles, the Sultan of Snugs, the Big Man of Belly-ups, and the Head Boss of Head Bonks. Thank you, buddy. I love you.

Baby was a rescue. My grandmother “Gee” rescued him from a shelter. He only had one eye and reminded you of a teddy bear that had been loved on dearly. Unfortunately, Gee lost her battle with cancer in March 2021. We took Baby in and loved him to pieces. He was such a sweet and good boy. Baby loved to eat, play with his toy possum and snuggle. As he got older, he no longer played, but was always down for a good belly rub. We miss Baby. Our home feels empty without him. He’s now back with Gee and probably shaking his toy possum now.

Newshe, you were such a sweet and loving companion. It was your time to be with your daddy and your buddy Minion. You've left a huge hole in the hearts of so many who are comforted knowing that you are happy in Heaven, being your rambunctious self. I love you and miss you, Mommy

Baxter you are missed Oh so much, your brothers are looking for you.

It was and always will be us against the world Julius! The cutest, craziest, bossiest little legend, king Julius would have everyone stopping us on the street so they could say hi. I miss him and his big, beautiful smile. Losing Julius is one of the greatest losses of my life, but I always remind myself, "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Love you forever you lil stink Julesman, it's a little too quiet around here now!

My heart aches with baby Kai not physically in our lives. The snoring in bed between his humans, with his head propped up on one of our pillows as he was the little spoon. Coming home to a waggy tail and booty with his "smiley teeth", a grin so big you saw all his teeth as he cried out in excitement. Hikes in the woods when we weren't up for it, though which Kai knew we needed all along. Hanging out in the sun, panting because he would get so hot. Carrying him up to bed every night. These moments - though simple - are how we knew we were his people, knew we were loved, and knew he was happy. I couldn't imagine such profound grief though there is comfort in knowing you are not in pain. Love you baby boy!