Mooi

There are some souls that come into our lives on four legs, leave paw prints on our hearts, and never truly leave us. Today, I say goodbye to my very first dog, my best friend, my shadow, and one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever known.

She was more than a dog—she was family. She stood beside me through every season of life. Through heartbreak and breakups, she never left my side. Through the long deployments and underways with the Navy, she greeted me with the same excitement and unconditional love every time I came home, as if no time had passed at all. No matter what life threw at me, she was always there, reminding me that I was never alone.

If there was one thing she loved as much as the small group of people in her circle, it was her ball. Fetch wasn’t just a game to her—it was her greatest joy. She could chase that ball for hours without ever slowing down, and seeing her happiness in those moments made every throw worthwhile. Her excitement, her determination, and the way she’d proudly bring it back with her tail wagging are memories I’ll cherish forever.

She taught me what unconditional love truly looks like. She never judged, never asked for anything more than a little time, a little love, and one more throw of the ball. In return, she gave me loyalty that never wavered, comfort when I needed it most, and countless memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Being my first dog made our bond something I can never replace. She helped shape who I am, and a piece of my heart will always belong to her.

One of the hardest parts of losing her is replaying that final goodbye. I think about the last time I held her, the last time I threw her ball, the last time I saw her eyes looking back at me. Those moments hurt more than words can describe. But even through the pain, I choose to remember the lifetime of love we shared instead of the heartbreak of one final day.

Thank you for every tail wag, every slobbery tennis ball, every welcome home, and every moment you stayed by my side. Thank you for loving me through the highs and the lows without ever asking for anything in return.

You may be gone from my sight, but you will never be gone from my heart. Run free, chase every ball heaven has to offer, and know that you will always be loved, always be missed, and never be forgotten.

Until we meet again.

Remembered with love in Roanoke.

← All Memorials