My daughter just let me know that her longtime friend passed away. My heart aches for her as she walks this journey of grief.

I remember the first time I met Theo. He was so cute. He reminded me of “Little Bear” from the children’s book written by Maurice Sendak. I loved him from the start.

When he looked at you, it was as if he looked into your very soul with joy and enthusiasm.

He stood by my daughter through good times and bad. He has been a faithful friend. He was her friend before her son, Isaac,was born and was also his friend and protector. He has been such a large part of her family and ours.

I loved Theo and will continue to remember him with love. I, too, will grieve this incredible loss.

This is the casualty of being so fortunate to love and be loved. That when their time on this earth is done, we have to say goodbye for now. It feels as though are hearts are ripped out of our chests.

I am so thankful for the life of Theo that brought joy to all who met him. Rest in peace dear soul. We have always loved you and you will continue to live in our hearts as we remember you.

Tina’s words say it best.

17 years. I was lost in my early twenties. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted. I was floundering. The one thing I did know was that I desperately wanted a puppy. I searched a long time for one, met a lot of puppies, but none were “the one.” I saw a post one day about a litter on a farm, convinced my friend to skip class and meet them with me. And there he was, all brown and love and sweetness. My Theo. Theodore Roosevelt because he looked like a teddy bear. 

My best boy, my best friend. We grew up together. I found myself through him. He was rare, with intelligence and empathy that coursed through him. I’m pretty sure he could read my mind. I’ve never met another dog like him, one that knew what you were saying all of the time, that looked at you like he knew your soul. A dog who liked jokes, who understood the phrase “just kidding.” Everyone who met him, loved him.  

17 years is a long time to get to love a dog.  17 years is a long time to get to have a best friend. I know I should feel blessed that I got the honor of being his friend for so many years, but right now I just miss him. 

The very best boy passed this morning, March 13, 2026. I don’t have the words to memorialize him in a way that he deserves, I’m not sure they exist. But, please know, I could not have asked for a better dog.