Roo
December 29, 2012 – October 2, 2026
Roo, a beautifully unique Shepherd, Chow Chow, and Bichon Frise rescue mix, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, surrounded by the family who adored her. She leaves behind a legacy of absolute resilience and a profound, unfillable space in our hearts.
Our bond was forged in a miracle. We met at the Humane Society, where I was preparing to perform a spay surgery. Suddenly, a technician alerted me to a tiny puppy on the next table who had stopped breathing. After several unsuccessful attempts with IV medication, I stepped in and successfully performed CPR, bringing her back to life. That breathless, profound moment cemented a connection unlike any other. After a night in the pet emergency hospital, she returned to the shelter to reunite with her two siblings.
From that very first day, it was clear she was a fighter, a survivor, and a soul destined to be by my side. When the CEO asked me to foster her because she was showing neurological signs, I brought her home to monitor her. We lovingly watched her “track butterflies”—gazing intently at things no one else could see. That foster arrangement quickly became forever. For over 14 incredible years, Roo honored her second chance at life by filling every single day with unmatched loyalty, comfort, and joy.
Roo carried her blend of heritages with an unforgettable presence. She beautifully combined the watchful loyalty of a Shepherd, the quiet dignity of a Chow Chow, and the bright, affectionate spirit of a Bichon. Though she looked like a small German Shepherd, we affectionately called her “our little bichon.” She was a constant, quiet companion through every high and low, teaching us the true meaning of unconditional love and what it means to live completely in the present moment.
Her name, much like her life, was born from a beautiful twist of fate. When dropping her off at the ER on our first day together, the receptionist asked for her name. I looked down at her shelter paperwork, which listed only a six-digit ID number, then looked at this tiny puppy and spontaneously said, “Roo.” It was a tribute to my deeply missed Black Lab, Tessie Roo, who had been such a blessing. Roo lived up to her name perfectly, bursting with so much joy that she would leap and jump just like a little kangaroo.
Though our daily routines will never be the same without the familiar rhythm of her paws on the floor, the bond we shared—one that truly defied the odds—will stay with us forever. I will deeply miss her energetic jumps, her happy tail wags, and the pure excitement that greeted me every time I walked through the door.
Rest in peace, sweet Roo. You were a good dog. The absolute best dog. My heart. I have loved you your whole life, and I will miss you for the rest of mine.
“Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever.”
The Butterfly Catcher
A single breath, a quiet space, A miracle inside that place.
I brought you back, you held on tight, And stepped together into light.
From that first spark, our fates were bound, The greatest gift I’d ever found.
A tiny soul who leaped and played, And out of hope, a lifetime made.
You’d watch the sky for butterflies, With magic in your gentle eyes.
A faithful guard, a joyful friend, Whose jumping love would never end.
My little shepherd, kangaroo, The sweetest heart I ever knew.
You blessed my life for fourteen years, Through all the laughter and the tears.
The house is quiet, the floors are still, A space that no one else can fill.
But in the silence, clear and free, Your loving spirit stays with me.
I held you then, I hold you now, Beyond the years, beyond the vow.
I loved you for your whole life through, And all of mine, I’ll miss you, Roo.