Chronicles of Austin Thee Doggo

Mornings hurt the most. I had always started my day by checking on Austin, telling him good morning, and reaching for him to snuggle before I was even fully awake. He had the most gorgeous eyes and seeing them sparkle every morning gave me the energy to get out of bed. I would open all… Continue reading

After leaving the veterinarian’s office, the reality of what had just happened began to sink in. At that point, the only thing I could think of that might bring even a little comfort was a big glass of whiskey. I didn’t want to think. I didn’t want to feel. I just needed something to make… Continue reading

Austin’s quality of life had declined to the point where he needed round-the-clock care. It had been three months since we moved from our upstairs master bedroom to the living room downstairs so he could be closer to the yard. We were hand-feeding him, bottle-feeding him, constantly changing his pads, and giving him washcloth baths… Continue reading

Friday morning began in the quiet hours of the night. Sometime before the sun came up, Austin had woken up my wife so she could take him outside to potty. I still don’t know how she does it, but she has always had this instinct with him, some unspoken connection that lets her know when… Continue reading

New Year’s Eve started the way it always does in our house. Simple, cozy, and full of little traditions. None of us realized that one small moment that night would end up meaning so much more than we ever expected. The countdown began just like every year. “3, 2, 1, Happy New Year and Happy… Continue reading

An American Bulldog came into my life during one of the most difficult times I have ever faced. On Friday, June 13, 2014, my wife and I met a puppy we were not supposed to get. When we arrived at the breeder’s house, the wife of the man I’d spoken with on Craigslist greeted us… Continue reading