09/04/2026
Watson, Watty, Squatty Watty, Bud Bud🐾
When your phone identifies over 1,000 photos of one dog (fb only allows 80), you know he was a pretty big part of your life.
Watson was named after Doc Watson. It turned out to be a pretty fitting name for a dog who would become such a big part of our lives—and who loved the mountains as much as we did.
Watson was born into rescue and became part of our very first foster litter. We thought we were saving him, but somehow, he became one of the dogs who would save a piece of us.
For more than a decade, he was right there beside us through it all. Greg’s #1 sidekick. More than 300 dogs came through our doors at Four Feet Retreat under his watch. He welcomed them, tolerated them, played with them, and somehow seemed to understand that every one of them needed a little patience and a little love.
Watson had a personality all his own.
He was Greg’s trick dog and a complete show-off, especially when he would jump into Greg’s back. He loved being the center of attention and was always ready to show off what he could do.
He loved the Pooch Plunge and absolutely loved performing in the holiday parades, proudly representing Loving Pet Project NC - LPPNC.
He was Greg’s kayak and boat buddy and his faithful Hurricane cheerleader, watching every single Carolina Hurricanes game right beside him.
He always cheered for Clemson Football too.
He was the only dog we have ever had who truly watched TV. Not just stared at it—watched it. Every Thanksgiving in the mountains, watching and barking at the dogs during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was simply a given.
He could catch a treat from 20 feet away and absolutely knew he was the only one getting a treat.
He had an incredible ear for a cicada. He could hear one from what seemed like any distance, track it down, and happily turn it into a snack.
Then there were the random morning howls with the rest of the crew. No explanation. No warning. Just Watson and the others deciding it was time for a morning concert. I think it started with his buddy Clyde and continued on.
He loved the mountains. He loved being outside. And even in his last year, when his body was telling him to slow down, he would still beg to go for a walk.
That was Watson.
Always ready to go. Always wanting just a little more.
But perhaps his greatest gift was the way he became our bridge.
A bridge to Ellie Belle, Kaley, Hunter, Mia, Casey and Clyde….and Angel, Frito, Denver, Jordy, Chase and River.
A bridge between the dogs we loved and lost and the ones who came after them.
With Mia, he seemed to know she needed him. During her final weeks with us, Watson stayed by her side, quietly keeping her company and never seeming to want to leave her.
That was Watson.
He had a way of just being there.
For the scared foster who needed a friend.
For the new dog who didn’t quite know where they belonged.
For the ones who needed someone to simply sit beside them.
Hundreds of dogs passed through our home, but Watson was the constant. He was there when another scared, confused or abandoned dog walked through the door.
He never knew how many lives he touched. Dad and Laura, Kirsten and so many friends.
To everyone at Lakeview Veterinary Hospital, thank you for your compassion, patience and care for Watson over the last year and a half. We will always be grateful for the way you cared for him and for the kindness you showed all of us during such a rollercoaster of emotions.
Suzanne, thank you for everything. For being there for Watson, for us, and for all the little things that mattered along the way. We are more grateful than words can say.
Thank you to Dr. Maggie at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice for your kindness, compassion and understanding. You helped make his transition peaceful and gentle, and your support meant more than you know.
And, as always, thank you to everyone at Triad Pet Cremation & Cemetery for treating Watson with such dignity, love and respect. We are so grateful for the care you give to our beloved pets.
Run free and howl at the moon sweet Watson.
Go find Ellie Belle, Kaley, Hunter, Mia, Clyde and momma Frankie.
We’ll take it from here. ❤️🐾
