Remembering Duke & Lilly
Today, on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, we pause to honor and remember two of the greatest companions our family could have ever asked for—our Springer Spaniels, Duke and Lilly. Their pawprints left lasting imprints on our hearts, and while their time with us felt far too short, their love continues to ripple through our lives each day.
Duke: My First Boy (2007–2022)
Duke was my first boy, the one who chose me before I even realized I needed him. When I met his litter, all his brothers and sisters were tumbling and wrestling, but Duke simply sat, looked up at me, and locked eyes as if he saw straight into my soul. That was it—he was mine.
He came home with me at three months old, to my little apartment in Tigard, Oregon. From city sidewalks to wide-open country fields, Duke was my running buddy, my adventure partner, and my calm in the storm. Together we logged hundreds of miles, braved side-swipes on busy roads, and spent countless weekends hiking trails and wandering the Oregon coast.
Duke had a gentle soul with just enough playful chaos to keep me laughing. He collected sticks, swiped neighbors’ recyclables, and chased rabbits through gardens, yet always remained the most loyal, steady companion. Through every move, every chapter, every season of my life—Duke was there.
When age caught up to him, dementia and frailty dimming his once boundless energy, Lilly rarely left his side. In September 2022, as his 15th birthday neared, we faced the hardest choice. With ice cream, cheeseburgers, and one last car ride, we said goodbye to my old boy in the comfort of his favorite bed.
Lilly: The Sweet Chaos (2011–2024)
Lilly’s story began a little differently. She was the last of her litter, a pup from backyard breeders who didn’t quite know what they were doing—her tail docked incorrectly, her markings leading them to call her “Cow.” But when I met her, I couldn’t walk away. She came home with me, goofy grin and all.
Where Duke was calm, Lilly brought chaos. She was silly, clumsy, endlessly sweet, and always ready to steal the spotlight—especially when Mike came into our lives. She adored him instantly, and while it sometimes felt like I disappeared in her eyes, I didn’t mind. Because just like me, she knew he was the one.
Together, we packed up life in the Pacific Northwest and headed for the desert. Lilly and Duke adjusted to shaved coats, hot Las Vegas summers, desert trails, and road trips. They never took to swimming, but they embraced every other part of our growing family.
When Henry was born, Lilly’s goofy energy softened into gentle patience. She and Duke welcomed their baby brother with love, letting him tug, climb, and tumble without complaint. They were his protectors, his playmates, his first best friends.
But as years passed, Lilly’s health declined. Seizures became part of her life, despite every test and treatment we tried. We hoped Rocket, our new pup, might bring out her playful spark again, but the seizures grew worse. In December 2024, with love and heartbreak, we gave her the same gift of peace Duke had received—a final week of ice cream, pup cups, cheeseburgers, and endless cuddles. Our compassionate vet guided us through goodbye with care and tenderness, but walking out without her felt unbearably empty.
A Legacy of Love
Duke and Lilly weren’t just dogs—they were family. They were loyal protectors, goofy companions, hiking buddies, and snugglers. They taught us patience, joy, resilience, and unconditional love.
Henry still talks about them often. We all do. We tell their stories, laugh at their quirks, and miss their presence daily. Though they’re gone from our arms, they’ll never be gone from our hearts.
Their lives were a reminder of the greatest truth about pets: they bless our lives for only a moment, but their love stays with us forever.
🌈 Run free, Duke and Lilly. We’ll see you again at the Rainbow Bridge.
