12/18/2025
To be clear: You were not the dog I wanted. I begged Mom to please choose a different one. You were too rowdy, too hyper. You wriggled and wouldn't sit still. You peed on my lap and ate my shoes!
In training, you were smart but stubborn. You knew what you wanted and how to get it. Many of my pants had tears from when you didn't want me to leave and many shirts had holes from when you wanted attention.
When Mom got sick I cried because I didn't want you. When she gave me freedom to rehome you I knew I couldn't. You were hers and when she was gone you became mine.
And you were there for all of it. You were there when Anna was born and you were there when Mom died. The last week with her I brought you with me into her room and watched as you told her goodbye in your own way. You were there for every adventure and every heartbreak.
You said goodbye to Cody, Kyla, Lollie, Mo, and Stolte and you tucked yourself into the back of my legs and we both found solace with each other. Now you have such a wonderful welcome party waiting for you across the bridge.
At the kennel you reigned supreme. The other dogs didn't just like you, they respected you. No one messed with you, even the dogs who don't like other dogs liked you. And in return...you tried to steal all the hotdogs, cleaned up spilled food, and peed on the rug.
You were the dog I didn't want, but I'm so glad I had you in my life. We will all miss you so much. Say hi to the gang for me.
RIP
Alex Alexander Paul
Feb 9, 2008 - Dec 17, 2025
