In Loving Memory

“Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”

— Mary Oliver

Fergus McDuff was one of the greats!  A happy, carefree, energetic, people-loving goofball who’s eyes could look deep into your soul.  We are so grateful that he chose us to raise him from a puppy to an Elder, and he will be cherished in our hearts for all of eternity.

You joined our family as a young 3 year old pup and said goodbye to us as a beautiful 16 year old girl. We have so many great memories of you, from riding in the jeep, paddleboarding at the cottage or just your daily silliness like having to stand, sit or lay on any table or platform that wasn’t meant to be a dog spot. You came to us when we had other furry family members, for which you helped us say goodbye to over the years. You were sassy from your striking blue eyes all the way to your floofy butt. We could always tell when you were up to no good when your tail that normally curled onto your back would slowly lower down. We dubbed that as “sneaky tail”. It usually happened just before you would wonder off for a run that would send us worried and searching all over for you for hours, only to return home and find you laying on the porch giving us the “where have you guys been, I’m hungry” look. You never had a problem telling us what you felt, and also taught your current non-husky sibling Shamus to howl. The way you would gently rest your head on my lap and let me rub those teddy bear ears, could heal any hurt I was feeling. You will be so missed by us all and forever loved xoxo.

Bowie, Bow Bow, lil Miss Chonky.

The softest, sweetest, most gentle, and chatty girl. Sending you off with millions of kisses and pets. Wishing you endless treats, catnip and wet shower walls to lick.

You’re forever in our hearts.

Thank you for the care, compassion and gentleness you showed Toby and us in his final moments.

Because of you Toby’s passing was peaceful and we will forever be grateful for the way you cared for us and him.

Warmly, N + M

River
Beloved companion, protector, and quiet therapist
River moved through the world with a calm, gentle presence — offering comfort, sharing freely, and always watching over those she loved.
She gave so much, including her work alongside me, bringing calm and connection to others.
When it was time, she let us know. Surrounded by love at home, she gently said goodbye.
There is a heartbeat missing in our home — and a love that remains.

River Webster
June 2018 – April 2026

Zoe (aka Lionheart) passed into the realm of enticing aromas, prepared meats, long off-leash walks and an endless supply of slow, perhaps lame, squirrels this morning, quietly, at home, with her best friend Molly at her side. The demon cancer — aggressive and all-too-sudden — robbed her of cuddles and treats beyond her 14 years. A rescue from the barrio of L.A. where we believe her to have run with the Crips and Bloods in her first year, Zoe was rewarded with a life of soft beds, softer couches and laps, and fine dining when she emigrated north. Known for her sweaters, her fondness for licking and her ability to go from zero to 60 in a blink, Zoe leaves behind love, memories of her comings-of-age and games with Molly (the only dog she ever played with) and an assortment of trophy kills (including a Norwegian brown rat, two large snakes and maybe some mice, although those kills were unconfirmed). In her time, Zoe learned to enjoy camping, boating, paddle boarding, falling into lakes and not having to bark at other dogs. She was always the first to leave the room and put herself to bed. There she rests now in peace. She spent her last day surrounded by loved ones, walking on the countertops and sitting in forbidden chairs.