Korey came into my life in October 2022 through Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue, and from the moment he arrived, he became family.
At the time, we lived in Citrus Heights, California, in a home with a backyard that quickly became one of his favorite places. Every evening, Korey looked forward to “neighborhood bark time,” standing proudly outside, talking to the world in that unmistakable German Shepherd voice. He loved being part of the neighborhood, part of the moment, part of our little pack.
Korey went wherever life would allow. He traveled with me to Fort Collins, Colorado, to visit family, spent peaceful days at Lake Tahoe, and explored the rugged beauty of Point Arena Lighthouse on the Mendocino Coast. No matter where we went, he carried his loving, fierce German Shepherd spirit with him.
Then Millie came into our lives — a tiny Brussels Griffon with a huge personality — and somehow the two of them became perfect best friends. Korey was always so careful and gentle with her. During their play fights, he would growl dramatically while keeping his mouth open so he would never hurt her, letting Millie believe she was the fierce one. Watching them together was pure joy.
When we moved to Lakewood, Colorado, and downsized to apartment living, Korey adapted with grace. He loved the nearby nature trails and the new adventures that came with them. He especially loved visiting his Grammy and Auntie in Fort Collins, running and barking happily through Auntie’s backyard like it belonged to him.
And when we finally found our home in Lakewood, Korey immediately claimed his favorite spot: the floor-to-ceiling front windows. From his giant dog bed, he could watch the neighborhood for hours, peacefully observing until something important required a raucous bark. He was happiest when he could see his world and know his family was nearby.
Eventually, I had to buy a king-sized bed so there would be room for Korey, Millie, and me together. Every night, he got his beloved non-rawhide chew, the treat he waited for all day long. Those little routines became the heartbeat of our home.
We were a pack.
But lymphoma came for Korey far too soon. At only six years old, a heart that loving and loyal should have had so many more years ahead of it.
Korey, you gave us comfort, laughter, companionship, protection, and unconditional love. You filled every place we lived with warmth and life. The house is quieter now, but your presence is still everywhere — in the trails we walk, the windows we look through, the spaces beside us in bed, in your dog hair that still lingers no matter how many times I vacuum, and in the memories we carry every day.
Millie and I miss you every single day and love you every second.
You were, and always will be, our loving muffin.
