06/19/2026
This one is a little more personal than what I usually post here.
4 years ago, cancer took our girl Valerie from us.
She wasn’t missing. She wasn’t lost. But losing her is a big part of why I understand how much these animals mean to us, and why every lost dog search hits me the way it does.
Valerie was one of those dogs that made people smile the second they saw her. Gentle, happy, sweet, and just so perfectly herself. Even after glaucoma and other eye issues led to her losing one of her eyes, she never lost that happy little spirit. Her forever wink somehow made her even more Valerie.
She loved people. She loved adventures. She loved just being with us.
To some people, it may be “just a dog.”
But anyone who has truly loved one knows better.
They are family. They are part of our daily routine. They are the quiet presence beside us, the happy face at the door, the reason we take one more walk, one more ride, one more trip, one more photo.
Valerie was that for us.
She was our girl, and 4 years later, we still miss her every day.
That is why I never take it lightly when someone reaches out because their dog is missing. I know I am not just looking for “a dog.” I am trying to help bring home someone’s family member. Someone’s best friend. Someone’s Valerie.
Valerie, we love you and miss you always.
If you ever had the chance to meet her, I’d love it if you’d share a memory of her in the comments. Funny, sweet, cute, or anything you remember. It would mean a lot. If you didn’t have the chance to meet Valerie, but you’ve loved and lost a pup of your own, please feel free to share their story or a photo in the comments, too. Every one of them mattered, and every one of them deserves to be remembered.
