12/18/2025
This is not the update we ever wanted to share. Last week there was a fire on our property. It smoldered for a long time & released carbon monoxide. The fire inspector told us carbon monoxide settles low. Our dogs never even woke up; they were all in their sleeping positions. Unfortunately, the fire started and our world shattered. We lost all 12 of our Aussies.
They came home last night & this morning there were 12 doves in front of what's left of their area. We are devastated, but find comfort that they're all together.
We are so thankful that pieces of our dogs exist in their puppies.
Our world is crushed & all of a sudden too silent. Brandon loved and looked after each dog with such care, like a shepherd knows his sheep.
Our first 4 loved Jordy fiercely. As the other dogs joined us, she was always involved with their play. Aspen and Apex especially guarded her.
Princess was 14 & was as sassy as ever. She couldn't hear like she used to, but could smell a treat from a mile away.
Marley was the first dog I loved when I moved in. He was the prettiest dog & was Brandon's trusty shadow.
Monkey was a ninja in another life. She would frame the other dogs for her naughty behavior & would have loved to be a person.
DJ and I struggled when I moved in. He pushed all my buttons. After we moved to Washington, he became a new dog. He found his purpose patrolling our property & keeping his pack in line. He had the most distinct bark.
Luna was the first dog we got as a family of 3. If there was a way off our property, she could find it. Our neighbors know her by name and would let us know she'd escaped.
Moose was our first dog born on our property. He was so confident in who he was and you could accept it or not, he didn't care. I kind of hate that my wisteria will not be pulled apart anymore. No pool of water was safe from him.
Aspen and Apex came back to us after their owner needed to move. They didn't trust Brandon at first, but he never wavered and after a year of consistency, they adored him. Aspen never had a bad day & seemed to always smile. Apex found his spot as DJ's #2. He adored Jordy and stayed by her always.
Zynah came back to us when her people had to enter an assisted living facility. We lined a home up for her, and that night Jordy told Zynah she had found her true home & would never leave us. Zynah had an affinity for playing & water.
Sadie was our 3rd generation red merle. She was beautiful and spicy. She could be found jumping on her brother, Oreo. She was Brandon's pretty girl.
Oh, Oreo. He was the absolute best boy. After Monkey had delivered 5 puppies, she got up, and we thought she was done. A few hours later, we checked her and found Oreo. He was the grumpiest boy. He didn't so much as bark as he huffed.
Our Lucky boy had a rough start. He fought hard, and survived. All of the other dogs tolerated his antics and seemed to love him like we did.
Our world will remind us of these 12 dogs, and I know all dogs go to heaven.
