Goodbye my sweet girl

Today I’m remembering my sweet girl, Riley. I adopted her when she was just 8 months old, and for nearly 13 years she filled my life with more love, laughter, and quiet comfort than I ever could’ve asked for. She was a beautiful mix of lab with a little pitbull sprinkled in—gentle, loyal, and full of her own unique charm.

Riley had this serene, calming presence, the kind of energy that made everything feel a little lighter just by being near her. But she also had her spark—she loved chewing on antlers, chasing her Kong toy like it was her life’s mission, and barking at the neighborhood even when absolutely nothing was happening. And of course, nothing made her happier than a car ride with the window down, ears in the wind, taking in the world around her.

One of my favorite memories will always be the time we went camping and she saw a duck in the water for the first time. Without hesitation she dove right in and swam after it, only for the duck to circle around her like it wanted to play. Watching them turn it into a game of tag was hilarious—and so perfectly “Riley.” Curious, joyful, and always ready for an adventure.

She was calm, sweet, and steady, but she lit up around new people, eager to share her love with everyone she met. Losing her has left a quiet space in my life that feels impossibly big, but I’m grateful for every moment we had together. She gave me nearly 13 years of unconditional love, and she’ll always be a part of me.

Please rest in peace my sweet girl. 03.15.2013-11.07.2025