Thoughtful Specialized Veterinary Medicine with Compassion

I fell in love with you the moment I met you. With your giant eyeballs and chirpy bark. Your tail curled and weirdly shaped frown. I didn’t want to ever put you down.

You grew into a beloved family pet - albeit a sassy and opinionated one. You did it your way. Every step. And you never had any qualms about letting folks know that is how it was going to go. You patrolled the front door and back yard long after your sight had begun to deteriorate. You were our little Sargent Chewy.

So I should have recognized sooner that you were tired. Your fire went out and I am so sorry I didn’t let you go. I just didn’t know how.

But you’re gone now. And I want you to know that everything is going to be ok. I’ll be careful. And make sure no bad guys come into the house. Rest now my little man. I will always picture you snoring on your favorite pillow on our bed. Your favorite spot.

The Patrol can be passed on. We will miss you forever and ever.

Marley was an old soul- wise, watchful, and quietly independent, he moved through the world with a confidence that only time and instinct can create. An avid hunter and a true adventurer at heart, he passed his days lording over his domain.

He was loving in his own unique way, offering comfort through his steady presence rather than constant cuddles. His aloofness was part of his charm, and those moments of affection felt like a precious gift. Marley taught us that love doesn’t always need to be loud or in your face.

We are deeply grateful to our friend and veterinarian, Dr. Salge, for the compassion, kindness, and gentle care shown to Marley during the final chapter of his life. Your support brought peace to both Marley and our family during a heartbreaking time, and we will always be thankful.

Though he is no longer by our side, Marley’s spirit will forever remain part of our home and our hearts. Run free, sweet Marley. You were deeply loved.

Chili Bean came into our lives as a scrappy little stray with a crooked smile and a back leg that flapped when he ran (and didn’t slow him down a bit). He joined our other dog, Oscar, and together they became inseparable—beach chasers, sun lovers, and partners in mischief. After 17 years of seeing us through life’s changes—four homes, two babies, countless adventures—it was time to say goodbye. On a bright November day, he rested in the sun on our porch with Oscar nearby.

Leigh guided us through that incredibly hard moment with such compassion—talking us through every step, comforting Oscar, and helping us preserve a few last memories of our Chili. We’ll always be grateful for her calm presence and the care she gave our family.

We were so lucky to adopt Avery as a comatose ball of fluff- at just 8 weeks old and barely two pounds.  After days of hospitalization and hand feeding special diets he found a bowl of dry cat food he loved and never looked back. 

He defied all expectations of a fluffy white dog- while he certainly loved to sleep on top of the biggest stack of pillows and blankets he was also down to camp and hike.  He was often more brown than white.  He loved a good off-leash trail hike where he would always pop out suddenly in front of trail runners as a white speed bump. 

He loved very few other dogs (in particular Sophie his absolute ride-and-die) but just tolerated most of them.  He mostly loved our kids for the food they would drop and the ability to ride on the front of their stroller instead of having to actually walk on his walks.  He co-existed peacefully with our cats Kate and Jackson but then later just tolerated the new kittens Emmy and Macy. He mostly loved just us and wanted to be with us at all times.  Every picture we have has him somewhere in the background.  Even on his last day he was right by my side, my little velcro fluff n’ fold.  He will always be loved and dearly missed.