Guestbook

When you came into our home I knew instantly you were part of our family by the way Mom looked at you. You were so playful, so full of love to give and not to mention extra fluffy. You meshed perfectly into the empty part of our home.

I’ll never know why the incident happened but I know that it never made me feel any differently about you. I didn’t ask to keep you just because I knew no one else would help you the way we did, I asked to keep you because you’d already made home in all of our hearts and you couldn’t be defined by that one off moment (despite there had been.. other moments later on). And I know you regretted it as soon as it happened, we both paused and looked at each other before I pushed you off and called for Mom. You stayed by my side after I got home for weeks until I fully recovered trying to make it up to me, guarding me, kissing my hands and holding them. And you have made it up to me tenfold by being my sweet bubby, helping me take out the trash, puppy sandwiches with you and Cago, protecting the house, always being playful and careful. And you know honestly I can appreciate wanting to leave your mark on the world, Arnold also did this to me before he passed but I just think you left enough mark on our hearts already.

You brought that childlike wonder back to us especially when it comes to the seasons changing. Hot, cold, rain or shine you wanted to be outside. In the spring we get a little muddy or drizzled on. In the summer we play in the pool with all your toys and the hose. In the fall we play in the leaves and in the winter we dig in the snow together and have snowball fights. Each season unique and you all the same, ready to play. And you know most dogs just play fetch, maybe a little tug of war as well but you, you did it all. And my favorite to play with you was soccer. Probably because I usually would have to wait 10 minutes for the ball back if we were playing anything else you friggin ball hog. And sometimes we’d even play it in your room late at night very quietly mueheheh. You’d even get a little rile out of Chicago once in a while despite her not being able to run the same anymore. And for that I am eternally grateful.

Just so you know when you find Lilo… I think she’s gonna have some words for you.. But she’ll love you the same as us. Just whip you into a little more shape you know? I love you so much, my sweet bubby. Roll around in the grass with my girls for me <3

I’m 15 years old and I get a call in the middle of the night from Mom saying she found a dog in the middle of the road. I think she’s messing with me and say “haha, very funny” little did I know, our lives were going to change forever. From the very first night you lit up the house with your tail, something uncommon and strange to us, and most importantly you put me and Anna to work. You laid in between us like you’d known us forever, just immediate trust, and you forced us to literally rub your belly until you fell asleep. I had no idea I’d be working 24/7 at the petting factory for the next eleven years… You never believed in those dumb labor laws…

At first we envisioned you as a valley girl from California on her vegan, no carb, dairy free diet but you were more a Chicago girl than we realized. You were bossy, you hit and made weird noises at people when you didn’t get what you wanted when you wanted, even slammed your paws. You farted, you snored, you were our alarm for any danger, you LOVED takis despite never having eaten one because I would never give that to you, it’s very bad….. and you loved to get in mud. It wasn’t all just pretty clean girl stuff. You even thought you were a cat for a while, claimed my laundry basket and made it your bed. And you loved to play. Despite never quite figuring out how.. not for a lack of effort of trying though. You ripped up the Xbox cords, pillows, mom’s camera, and doors of course. It had almost seemed like you figured it out with your chicken but you hid it from us and we’ll never know why… Honestly it made sense though, Stitch never really played with toys either but she eventually taught you how to chase and run and boy did you two run that fence. There was nothing that made me more happy than to come home from school and join you and Stitch outside. Whether we were running around, laying on a blanket, or just sitting on the porch. You two washed away any problems I had that day in a rain of kisses and hugs.

I’ll never forget the day Mom and I taught you how to speak. We sat at the dining room table for hours eating Chinese food (we could only give you the broccoli) barking, howling, and the most you would do is go “awUURuh”. By far the strangest “bark” we’ve ever heard but the most unforgettable one. It was something we came to slightly regret later as you constantly used it against us to get what you wanted whether it was table food, dino bones or belly rubs. You’d slam a paw down, throw a side eye look and hit us with it. Honestly I think you just liked to argue sometimes. And an often forgotten fact is that you also learned how to eat off chopsticks that day. Very impressive.

And thank you for bringing some more light into my Stitch’s life. You became her best friend and sister and you were always by her side when I couldn’t be. And I think in turn you stayed by my side when she couldn’t be. For eleven years we have shared a birth month and we’d always wear our matching tiaras and I’d even take you out to dunkin for a pup cup. You’re blonde curly fur brought so much brightness into our lives, your tail brought rhythm and soul and your “bark” brought us joy and laughter. You brought me so much peace and solace just by being in your presence and laying next to you despite being put to work.

Ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. And I will never forget you. <3

We found you on a dark, stormy, rain-soaked night in the middle of the city.

The streets were slick, the headlights were cutting through the rain, and then suddenly there you were, running right out in front of the car like you had been sent there for us to find. I jumped out without thinking and scooped you up, and that was it. There was no discussion, no hesitation, no question about what came next.

You were coming home.

You were already about a year old when we found you, already fully yourself, already Chicago. And somehow, from that first night, it felt like you had always belonged to us and we had just been late in realizing it.

You were the most beautiful dog I have ever seen. People say that about their dogs because they love them, but with you, it was simply true. You knew it, too. You carried yourself like a lady, folding your paws so perfectly, sitting like you were posing for a portrait. You had elegance, attitude, sweetness, and just enough drama to make sure nobody forgot who the star of the house was.

You tap danced into rooms. You DJ’d the soundtrack of our years. Your tail told the truth before anything else could. It was like your heartbeat lived in it, always wagging, always full of joy, always reminding us that happiness could still exist in the middle of ordinary days.

You demanded table food, and you got it, because honestly, what kind of monster says no to those eyes? French fries were basically your property. We were all just holding them temporarily. The ladies’ dinners will never feel the same without you under the table, waiting patiently and confidently for what you knew was yours. That empty space at our feet is going to feel louder than anything for a long time.

You loved your brother in a way I will probably spend the rest of my life trying to fully understand. You waited up for me every night. You made sure the house was locked down before you let yourself rest. You protected us, watched over us, and cared for us in quiet ways we probably didn’t even notice enough while you were here.

And I need you to know something.

I loved you.

I know some people may have thought I didn’t show it enough. I won’t mention names, because apparently even grief has to have manners. But I loved you with all of my heart. I always tried to make sure you had what you needed. I hope you felt that. I hope you knew that even on the quiet days, even when I didn’t say it out loud, you mattered deeply to me.

You were Keesi’s BFF. You loved Gabby fiercely and protected her with everything you had. For that, I owe you more than I could ever repay. Not with treats, not with stuffed animals, not with every french fry in the world. You gave us love that was loyal, instinctive, and pure.

Find Stitch. Find Arnold. Tell them I said hi, and tell them I miss them too.

And find my Lilo.

You would have loved her. I think you reminded me of her more than I ever said out loud. Maybe some part of me always believed she was waiting for you, and now I hope the two of you are together, running free, young again, safe again, whole again.

Thank you for coming into the road that night.

Thank you for trusting me when I scooped you up.

Thank you for becoming ours.

I love you, Chicago.

Max, while I never exactly got to get my lick back, I will NEVER forget you.

Cago, I’m going to miss shoving my face in your ears, chasing you, and cuddling on the couch. Thank you for always being my best friend. I’m sorry Sushi hated you for it, don’t worry I’ll take care of her.

I always ask you if you remember the day we fell in love in the snow… because I can’t forget it, it plays in my head like a loop over and over again. It was better than any romantic movie. You came into the snow that day like you already knew us. You handed me your whole heart in a tackle and a hundred kisses, and the deal was done. There was never going to be a version of my life that didn’t have you in it after that.

You were the loudest dog in any room and the softest one in our bed. You bared your teeth at the world and put your head in my lap the second the door closed. You guarded us like a job you had taken an oath for. You were proud of your jugs and your toys and your bones. You were proud of yourself, and you should have been. You are the only rottweiler that had the Tesla symbol on your dupa instead of a heart.

Thank you for the snow. Thank you for the pool. Thank you for the art projects in the garage, and being my biggest fan. I don’t believe anyone was ever more excited than you to have me cook them a meal, standing outside stomping your foot barely containing yourself. I always loved to see your barrel role in the grass to show your appreciation, it is to date the biggest compliment I ever got for my cooking. Thank you for choosing Cago and choosing her loudly.

I will never forget the biggest rottenweiler, I’ve ever had, my goofy Buzz- tongue always hanging sideways… the best baseball, basketball, soccer, football b-ball player there ever was. I’ll never forget how you’d throw the ball up and show off your catching skills, my Babe Ruth. Thank you for every single ball.

I hope you enjoyed your life as much as I enjoyed having you in mine. I hope every Caturday was amazing, and now every day will be Caturday for you. It was an honor and privilege to be your mom. You might think that I saved you from a terrible situation, but you have no idea how many times you saved me and some days you and your sister – and of course Gabby and Keesi were the only reason I got out of bed. Thank you for making the hard days easier.

They say that a pet is just a chapter in our lives, but you were more than a pet, you were a soulmate to me, my baby, my big cuddly bear, my protector, and my rock. You were with me during some really trying times, and whenever I needed you. I will never forget you, you were so much more than a chapter, and I hope we find each other in every single lifetime. If you wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge, I’ll make my way there as soon as I can. In the meantime, I hope you get to meet my sister Sarah, MooCow, my Lilo, because without her, there would not have been a you, Stitch, Arnold, and reunite with Drogon. Thank you for the gift you gave me- your whole heart and unconditional unfiltered love and loyalty.

I love you. Go play.

Today two gentle hearts begin their journey across the rainbow bridge.
Max & Cago were never “just dogs”. They were quiet guardians, keepers of secrets , the warm presence beside us through laughter, tears,growing up,& growing older.They filled ordinary days with love so pure it asked for nothing in return.
For their mom(My Daughter Rachele) they were pieces of home itself -tippy tap paws on the floor, wagging tails at the door, plastic bottles in the yard, soft eyes that somehow understood everything without a single word.
And the hearts ache deeply today, love like theirs does not leave when they do. It lingers in every memory, every corner of the house, every moment that still feels touched by them.
So now run Free Max & Cago, Chase endless sunshine, rest in peaceful fields, & know you were loved beyond measure every single day of your lives.
Some souls leave paw prints on the floor. Yours (Max & Cago) left them on our hearts forever🌈

My Furry family , I will miss you! ❤️💙

Chicago,
You will forever be the prancing princess. I will miss rubbing that belly!
Mr. Jellybean,
You will always be the most handsomest guy around.
You will both be so missed. May you run free with all the balls and belly rubs the Rainbow Bridge has to offer!
Love, Juju

I’m honestly not sure what to say right now. . . . I just keep thinking about seeing the two of you in passing being great. Whether it’s making cameos while Jay and I are recording or popping out your heads when they’re a BBQ or just being around the yard whenever I’d visit (or in the kitchen trying to mooch a snack from me, shh 🤫) the two you were always kind to me while letting me know y’all run the place. . . . Both of you will be missed. 🫂

Rod

Max and Cago were always the sweetest furry friends. Max always wanted to play and was a big love bug! And Chicago didn’t go a minute without demanding love and affection, and she deserved every bit of it!

Both were valuable members of the family, and there won’t go a day that they aren’t missed, but they’ve left behind so many happy memories to carry on for a lifetime!

I’ll always miss them!

-Love Noah

Hi puppies° I never got that chance to meet you both but your dad talked about you a lot! We could see the love in his eyes for you when he would tell his stories. Good or naughty ones! He loves you both so much. Now watch over him. We will do our best down here.

Sending my condolences ❤️ You were both such good pups!! Eat all the treats in heaven

Chicago and Max , I have over the years become accustomed to both of your antics. The insisted belly rubs and the countless times I would throw your toys for you to fetch . Oh How infill miss those times. You were both the best dogs . Such a good boy and girl. And I will never forget either of you as long as I live. Thank you for the good times and memories ❤️

To Max, even though we usually had to say hello to you from a distance, it never changed how much admiration there was for you. You were the biggest teddy bear with such a gentle spirit. You were protective, loyal, and deeply loved. You even made the trip to Indiana for our wedding. We wish we could have spent even more time close to you, because it was always easy to see the sweetness in your eyes.
Chicago, you were pure love. Every time we came over, you were right there beside us, leaning in for rubs and attention, always wanting to be close. You had the kindest heart and the sweetest soul. Watching you with our daughter was so special — you were patient, gentle, and full of love. You made people feel safe, welcomed, and cared for just by being near them.
The two of you were more than pets — you were family, comfort, companionship, and part of so many memories. The house will feel quieter without your footsteps, your greetings, and your presence filling the room. You even welcomed Winston into your home with such hospitality.
Thank you for every tail wag, every cuddle, every moment of comfort, and every bit of unconditional love you gave so freely. You were both so deeply loved, and you always will be.
We hope you leave this world feeling surrounded by the same love you gave to everyone else.
Rest peacefully, sweet Max and Chicago.

Blondie…….. >_< I think I was just jealous that my mom gave you lots of attention, she pets you for HOURS when she could just be playing with me. You know that's MY mom right? You interrupted our sleep countless times with relentless snoring or.. strange noises.. definitely not meows. I will miss my easy target.. now I must deal with Khalucifer directly.. Dark Shadow.. I think we've booped our noses but only once.. something about you I've always been drawn to but I could never quite get up close.. I loved to watch you run from the other side of the window.. if only we could have joined forces.. we'd had been unstoppable.

I wish I could share videos or pictures I have of you guys but that’s for me to share with your momma sometime.

Cago,
My sweet niece with that beautiful red nose. You have the most endearing eyes, and if anyone dares stop petting you, that giant paw comes flying on them, demanding more attention while your tail wags a mile a minute. You love people with your whole heart and make everyone feel special just by looking at them. I hope you know how deeply loved you are and always will be.

Max,
My big meaty nephew. You never need fancy toys when a water bottle makes you just as happy. Playing catch with you was always the best, and you’d get so excited whenever I came over because you knew we were about to play. You are always such a sweet boy to me. You are one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs, and I know you were another soul dog for my big sister.

I hope you two find each other at the rainbow bridge (lookout for Lilo, Stitch, Moo Cow & Arnold too) and keep each other company, until we all meet again. You guys are amazing animals. Thank you for your unconditional love towards me and the whole family. It meant the world to all of us. Love you two.

And please… try to keep an eye on Keesi too. Hopefully she doesn’t try to really kill me when you guys cross the rainbow bridge. 🤍

Dear Max,

It’s going to be weird in here without you.

I know I spent most of our years pretending to be very busy under my heat lamp, because I am a dragon and dragons have responsibilities, but I noticed everything. I noticed you. You were my roommate, my cellie, my big weird furry security guard.

For years, we shared this room. You had your side. I had mine. You were enormous and warm-blooded and dramatic. I was ancient, mysterious, and clearly the more evolved creature. But I liked you. A lot, actually.

You were interesting.

When you moved around, I watched. When you laid down, I watched. When you made noises, I watched even harder. I never fully understood what your job was, but it seemed important. You guarded the room. You guarded the house. You guarded the people. You made it clear that this was our space, and honestly, I respected that. I also enjoyed watching Family Guy & Cops with you.

You were pretty cool, Max.

Not “bearded dragon cool,” obviously. Let’s not get carried away. But for a dog, you had presence. You had rules. You had opinions. You had a whole vibe. I appreciated that.

Now you’re going to be gone, and the room is going to feel different. Quieter. Less protected. Less ours.

And, unfortunately, the cats can come in now.

So that’s going to be a downgrade.

They will stroll in like they own the place, sniffing around, looking at everything with their little criminal faces. I do not approve. I know you won’t approve either. I know this because you understood boundaries. You understood territory. You understood that some rooms are sacred and not every whiskered lunatic needs access.

I am going to miss having you here, big guy.

I will miss knowing you were nearby. I will miss watching you from my tank. I will miss the way the room felt when it belonged to both of us. You made it feel safe. You made it feel guarded. You made it feel like home.

I hope wherever you’re going to go, there is a perfect patch of sun, unlimited balls and bones, and no cats trespassing where they don’t belong.

Thank you for being my roommate.

Thank you for being my cellie.

Thank you for being Max.

I’ll keep watch from here.

Your dragon,
Viserion