Walter, best friend of more than a decade, passed away suddenly from cancer. He was my first dog, my soul dog. He taught me about true love and about bravery. We were two anxious peas in a pod, and we both grew so much in confidence over our time together. He went from a shaking dog who feared everything to a sassy (and sometimes curmudgeonly) boy who was the best brewery dog and a truly loyal companion. He was by my side through so many transitions with unwavering support. He had the sweetest, most expressive brown eyes, and even in his last hours, he kissed my tears away.

I love you, my sweet Waltermelon. I miss you desperately. Thank you for helping me reach this point in my life — I truly couldn't have done it without you.

Special thanks to Dr. Lexi Naylor and Sabrina at Malletts Bay Veterinary Hospital for supporting us through this process and for giving Walter the taste of chocolate in his final moments.

Gone too soon … You loved dock diving, agility, swimming, hiking, finishing my ice cream bars and barking at animals on TV. You were an awesome and incredible dog. Miss you every day…

Sessie, our beloved dog, we will miss you dearly. You were always happy to be alive, and you were never in a bad mood. You were a great friend. We loved taking walks with you. Thank you for being a bright star in these dark times. You were the best dog we ever had. You could get along with anyone you ever met. You were the perfect example of canine friendship.
Your friend, Saval

Mongo nous a quitté pour un monde meilleur.

Mongo, African amazing grey parrot son. He joined our family in Cabot in his twenties. Petit Mong spoke English et Québécois. We shared the love of music. He adored singing the Stones' "Miss You." Favorite food to eat and shout: “Popcorn.” He imitated to a T the sizzling of the oil, kernels and shaking of the pot on the stove. Another: “Grapes, grapes, grapes, hey, WOW."

Kip, a Lab-Bernese mix, was our first dog. He was a “mistake” at a kennel near Chester, Vt., that bred Bernese mountain dogs and Labs. His father (a Lab) got into the wrong housing unit one night, and the result was Kip. Kip looked me very deep in the eyes the first time I saw him as a puppy. There was no doubt in my mind that he was to be our first family dog. We loved him, and he loved us in return for 10 years. Pure unconditional love.

Sophie, who enjoyed her 15 minutes of fame in Seven Days, passed over the rainbow at home in Burlington. We miss her presence in our life every minute.

Special thanks to the people who helped make her life special in so many ways: Joanne, Emma and the Doggy Styles family; and the amazing team at VCA Brown animal hospital, Drs. Tal, Reynolds, Averill, Wheel and Wagner, and the kind receptionists, Judy and Denise. Also the deli staff at Price Chopper on Williston Road for the extra-thin slices of Swiss cheese and liverwurst that jazzed up her cuisine in her final weeks. And of course, her many local friends, the dogs, the kids and the many neighbors we would not have met without her. And a shout-out to family across the U.S. — and globally — who included Sophie in correspondence, holiday gifts and more. Sophie will be missed by our grandchildren, who loved to feed her treats, walk her and giggle when she snored in her sleep.

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Jeezy, who has embarked on his final cosmic adventure.

Our gentle giant, who fancied himself the size of a Chihuahua, leaves behind a legacy of joy and unconditional love that touched the lives of all who knew him. A true cosmopolitan, Jeezy never met a stranger. His life philosophy was simple: spread joy like peanut butter on a bone. With his departure, our home is filled with the ache of his absence. He has crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving us only with cherished memories of his goofy antics, warm snuggles and the unconditional love he so freely gave.

Rest easy, our dear sweet Jeezy. We'll forever hold dear the laughter and love you brought to life. You were, and always will be, the brightest star in our sky.
With cosmic-size hugs and kisses, we love you furever.

(A special thank-you to Peak Veterinary Center, Dr. Courtney Zwahlen, and the team who loved, cared for and treated Jeezy during his cancer. We love you all).

Molly lived as we all should: bold, resilient, disobedient, equal parts sweet/sassy and unapologetically devoted to those she loved. Her soul was as deep as it was strong, and she embodied what it means to live a full, vibrant and long life. Yet here we are, wishing we had more time together. But what is more than her absence? The presence of the real love she left us with. Molly, it is the greatest honor to be your family. We hope you’re somewhere beautiful, frolicking with your brother, Yogurt.

Juniper the Saint Bernard loved all who met her. She became part of our family at just the right time and gifted us so much joy and adventure. She left us far too early, after succumbing to Addison's disease.

A year has passed since we said goodbye to you. Our home isn’t the same. We miss our walks together and your playful and curious spirit. We strive to live the way you did, with happiness, kindness, enthusiasm and, most of all, love. Thank you for teaching us how to be parents, how to love something greater than ourselves. Thank you for being the heart of our house during your long and beautiful life. Your pack loves and misses you every day. We carry you in our hearts.