Our Beloved Sequoia

I remember the day we brought her home because it was Cinco de Mayo. We had gone to the humane society to look at puppies to see if we might want to adopt one. They had two puppies that day, but I don't remember anything about the other one, since we were immediately taken with Sequoia. She was a beautiful Shepard mix with a lot of energy. I knew I wanted a large enough dog for protection but one that was also good natured enough to be part of our family. I know now that there couldn't have been a better dog. We took her home that day, and she captured the hearts of everyone.

This is my all-time personal favorite puppy picture of her...it just reminds me of a school portrait.

Even a cat person couldn't resist this face.

Sequoia was a rare combination of fierce protector and loving and tolerant "child". She would scare any stranger away with her ferocious bark, but if she knew you, she might just lick your toes raw. She would often follow us around the house and nudge her wet nose under our hand when she was looking for affection. And when we started having kids, her maternal instincts kicked in. It was common for her to leave her beloved tennis balls in the bassinet or bury her special dog treats in their beds and shoes. She often took it upon herself to "clean" the babies, leaving them with some very interesting hair styles. She tolerated the tail pulling, the ear tugging and the general tortuous play by the kids. She was dressed up, tucked in and ridden once or twice. And despite all that, she always wanted to be close to the kids (sometimes too close) and her family and just be part of the pack. Besides, she made up for it by stealing their food when they weren't looking, knocking down their prized block towers and standing in front of the tv without budging. Still, every night Sequoia would make the rounds once or twice around the house, in and out of each bed room, to make sure everyone was safe and secure.

What ever the kids were doing (like playing "nap time") she was in the middle of it.

Sequoia loved to cuddle up next to you on the couch...or take up the whole thing leaving you no choice but to sit on the floor.

Garrett and Sequoia had a special connection. He would often tuck her in his bed or lay next to her and read to her. He loves all animals, but especially Sequoia.

This is Sequoia and Blake as a baby, but it could have been any one of our children; she loved them all.


It was impossible not to love her. She was graceful, yet strong, protective, yet gentle...she was a very special dog and will be missed tremendously. Which is why I feel overwhelming gratitude that she went quickly, that we did everything we could to ease her pain, and that we had a chance to say our good-byes. Her gift to us will be in our hearts forever and we feel blessed to have had her for a pet. I have a profound sense of both sadness and gratitude- and yet, I wouldn't have changed a thing...not even the boys' first lesson in the cycle of life, the heartbreak of love and faith that will heal. Thanks for being such a wonderful member of our family, Sequoia. May your days in Heaven be filled with endless tennis balls to fetch and an abundance of dog treats to munch on. We love you.