On Monday, April 14, 2025, we said goodbye to our amazing dog Miles, who passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Miles was a gentle soul who brought joy to everyone he met, never asking for anything in return except a few pets and maybe a treat or two. We’re not sure he ever realized he was a dog. He loved being with his people, insisted on sleeping in our bed, and made it abundantly clear that our food was far superior to his (very expensive) premium kibble.
He had a special talent for counter surfing, once ate an entire booklight, and nearly had us writing his obituary almost 10 years ago after helping himself to about two dozen chocolate rum balls. It didn’t take long to learn his feelings about going in his crate—within his first few days of living with us, Miles found the “ABCs of Crate Training” brochure on the counter and quickly shredded it beyond recognition.
Despite his idiosyncrasies, Miles was, in my dad’s words, a Rock Star. His magnetic presence made him a beloved figure around the neighborhood. We met many neighbors because of him, and it wasn’t uncommon for people to yell, “Hi, Miles!” when he walked down the street (sometimes from folks we hadn’t even met before). Kids would line up to pet him when we dropped Sam off at school or took the kids to the playground.
He gave us nearly 14 wonderful years and lived every one of them to the fullest. He swam in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, lived in five different states, and was once even invited to dine inside at a fine restaurant (the hostess smiled and said, “He’s a service dog, right?” wink, wink). He loved hiking, especially off-leash. He’d follow his nose wherever it led, and when he realized he’d gotten too far ahead, he’d come sprinting back with his ears flopping and tail wagging.
Miles seemed to sense when the kids were coming, snuggling Cheryl’s belly in the final weeks leading up to their arrival. He greeted each child with a vigorous tail wag and a face lick when we brought them home from the hospital, and he was endlessly patient and gentle as they grew.
Miles stood by us through all of life’s milestones, including moves, jobs, babies, celebrations, and heartbreaks, with quiet loyalty and unconditional love.
We’ll see you at the next trailhead, sweet boy.
R.I.P. Miles Precious (5/22/11 – 4/14/25)