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The first time I laid eyes on a puggle, I thought, "If I ever get a dog, it’s going to be one of these." I love the mixture of that cute pug face and those floppy beagle ears. Fast forward a few years, my wife, Janelle, and I started talking about getting a dog. Well, it was more like she was trying to convince me we should get one. But I wasn’t sure. We lived in a small apartment then, and I wasn’t ready to commit. Still, I told her, “If we do get one - and that’s a big if - it has to be a puggle.” She didn’t care, she just wanted a fur baby.
Eventually, I warmed up to the idea and secretly searched online for puggles. After a bit of web surfing, I found one that seemed perfect. The place was about an hour away, so I made plans to go check him out. To keep it a surprise, I told Janelle I had a work thing to go to and asked if she wanted to come along for the ride. Unaware, she was happy to join me.
When we arrived, I introduced myself to the young kid who worked at the counter. He disappeared into the back, and a few moments later, out came our soon-to-be puppy. Janelle was immediately smitten. As was I. She started chasing him around the store, fawning with pure joy. That’s when I turned to her and said, “Surprise!” In 2008, we welcomed our first fur baby, Nacho. It was one of the happiest days of our lives. |  May 2008 |
Since then, our family has grown with two more four-legged kids. A year after Nacho, we brought home Sadie (homage to the Beatles). Sadie is another puggle we got from the same store. In 2017, we adopted an adorable pomeranian mix, Ranger. Even though my wife and I don't have children of our own, Nacho, Sadie, and Ranger filled that space in our hearts. We’ve become one big, happy, blended family.
The Agagons
The bond between humans and dogs is something very special. It goes back about 20,000 years with the domestication of wolves. With their pack mentality, dogs are incredibly faithful to their human families. Whether they’re following us around the house, keeping watch over us, or cheering us up when we’re feeling down, their unwavering loyalty is always present. It’s no wonder they are called "man's best friend". They stick by us no matter what, and their unconditional love is their greatest attribute.
 Is it Christmas yet? |  Breakfast in bed |
Dogs have this amazing way of connecting with human emotions. Studies have shown that they pick up on our moods and gestures more than we realize, proving how in tune they are with us. It's amazing how our three little ones can read our faces and respond in ways that make us feel understood. Whether we’re scolding them for misbehaving, cheering them on for learning a new trick, or just showering them with love, they know exactly how to give those emotions right back. There's something so special about the bond we share with them.
What’d we do?
Moreover, the relationship dog parents have with their pups is a mutual one. We give them food, shelter, and love, and in return, they give us companionship, purpose, and joy. Spending time with them increases oxytocin or the “love hormone” for both us and them. That hormone doesn’t just make us feel warm and fuzzy all over, it also reduces stress and boosts our overall well-being. Their loyalty, love, and empathy are what set them apart from other animals. |  Pose |
On top of all that, dogs are also incredibly adaptable and social. Whether they’re snuggling with us or working alongside us, they fit right in. They’re smart, eager to learn, and quick to adjust to new situations, which only makes our connection with them even stronger.
Smothered
 Where’s our waitress? | The only flaw in dogs is that their lives are far too short. When you first bring them home, you're swept up in their playfulness, energy, and just how adorable they are. As soon as we brought Nacho home, all I wanted to do was play with him nonstop, and my wife loved dressing him up. It was the same with Sadie and Ranger. It felt like the joy and excitement would last forever. But as the years pass, especially when health issues start to creep in, you begin to realize their time with you is limited. The endless joy turns into worry and fear. |
On Monday, September 16, 2024, that fear was realized. Our first fur baby, Nacho, lost his battle with heart issues and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. We’re truly heartbroken but he gave us 16 incredible years filled with love and joy. Janelle and I are truly blessed to have been his paw parents. |  Playing hide and seek |
 Troy and Nacho | Nacho was always a happy and loyal companion who never left our side. He was full of energy, very playful, and absolutely loved kids. Our nieces and nephews grew up with him, and later on, our grandnieces and nephews got to experience Nacho’s loving nature as well. He touched so many lives and created countless wonderful memories with each of them, leaving a lasting impact that will always be cherished. |
New Year’s Day 2024
There’s so much Janelle and I will miss about Nacho, but it’s the little things that brought us the most joy. Like his quirky way of sitting that always got a laugh, his loud snores that would startle us at times, the way he’d accidentally nip our fingers when we fed him, and yes, even his gassiness that can ruin your face. But more than anything, we’ll miss his warmth, his cuddles, and how he always made us feel loved. My wife and I used to jokingly argue over who he loved more, but deep down, we both knew he loved us equally and unconditionally.
 Cuddles  Poker face |  What game is on?  Say what? |
 Love | I came upon this quote which I thought was poignant: "If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness." - Marjorie Garber. |
Losing Nacho has brought a deep, unbearable sadness. But Janelle and I wouldn’t trade the heartache because the joy and overabundance of love he gave us for 16 years were more than worth it.
Rest in peace, my boy. You will forever be in our hearts!
Last picture taken of Nacho 9/12/24
Video of the Week
Nacho and Sadie 6/11/2013
Interesting Nacho Numerology
16
Born 03//16/2008
Died 09/16/2024
Age 16 years
Day he died 9/16 (9 +1+6 = 16)
Quote of the Week
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
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Answer to Last Week’s Trivia
Which country is credited with inventing ice cream? China
China is credited with inventing ice cream. Around 200 BCE, they mixed snow, rice, and milk to create an early version. Marco Polo later introduced the idea to Europe after his travels.
Trivia Time
Which dog is known for its wrinkled, short muzzled face?
Stay tuned next week for the Answer.
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