Sophie Oct 2009 - Nov 16, 2025

Tears gave way to gratitude. Her presence was a unique gift in this short life.

Sophie left us on a beautiful Colorado Sunday morning, always on point, a prototype for the world’s best dog. She was a one-of-a-kind being, our friend for sixteen years. We loved her, and she loved us. She was a fantastic kitchen dancer and popcorn snacker, quiet in a sea of noise and joy in loneliness.

A perfectly fit four-legged soul radiated from her wet nose to tail. She didn’t shake or shimmy when happy; she waggled. Chow Noods, Noods, Bubs, Bubba D, Little Bird, and Sophers. All Beth’s work, each nickname further imprinting Sophie’s lasting paw print on our far-from-perfect, two-legged lives. I’ll miss the joy Beth found each time a new one stuck.

If it weren’t for dogs, the world would judge us much harsher, a humbling reminder of a dog’s purity. She saw us at our best, at our worst, and in sober recollection on early morning walks, weaving between our strides, back and forth to double her effortless miles into our hearts. As her pace slowed and vision dimmed, her finely tuned nose took charge, still discovering discarded chicken bones, a bonus fry, or a greasy wrapper from who knows what. The unhurried walks gave us time together to notice the cracks in the sidewalks that led to a yard, the freshly planted flower bed, the front porch and a friendly wave to the neighbor. She was an endlessly curious creature.

Over the long, hot summers, her expression-filled eyebrows turned gray. A few years ago, during an August visit to Seattle, she found peace in the shade of a gnarled apple tree. Splooting in a patch of lush grasses, a wise face to the sun, beautiful as white moss on the ancient tree. She’s in no hurry now, sniffing the wind, waiting for us to make our way down the gravel road, ready for the next adventure. There is peace in knowing that wherever we go, she will follow, alive in memory.

Hug your pets and loved ones. Spread the word.

Sophie

Oct 2009 - Nov 16, 2025