06/01/2010 to 05/06/2025
I was smitten at first sight. She was carried into the animal shelter (where I worked) by a colleague and when I saw her adorable little 6 week old face, I broke my own rule; don’t fall in love with and then adopt a shelter dog. But, during our first foster night together, and after she threw up on my bed, I knew she needed me; or I needed her. Either way, she became my Piper.
For the next (one month shy) of 15 years, Piper was by my side. Almost every day and night, to work, shopping, outings, on vacation, and just about everywhere I went, Piper, my four-legged companion was my Plus One. I shared Piper with my two sons, who also accepted her as a little furball ‘sister’. A few years later, when I met my girlfriend, Piper allowed her to be a part of our lives. We were now three.
Piper became popular in the animal welfare circle of Virginia (and beyond) and was quite the traveler. She attended conferences (all over the country), the ACO (animal control officer) academy, police dispatch centers, animal shelters, and just about everywhere I went. If Piper was with me, she would get the first hello. If she wasn’t with me, folks asked “Where’s Piper”?
I don’t know how to sum up the 15 years of happiness and joy I shared with my little dog, Piper. I wasn’t prepared, or even wanted, to say goodbye. On Tuesday May 6, 2025, I let her go and my heart was instantly broken. I love her with all that I am and will miss her tremendously.