‘We stuck to his side like he’d always done for us’ July 15, 2025

“Ruffles came into my home in 2007. I met with just two dogs, a chihuahua rat terrier named Cutie who had a heart shaped mark on her butt and Ruffles, a shaky little sack of twigs, ears, and eyebrows. Ruffles was the choice because we felt he needed us more.

From that point on, we were inseparable, and we fought to manage his separation anxiety. He took to crate training like a champion and house-trained well, even in a tiny garden level apartment. He was never very clever with tricks and training, but his emotional intelligence was unparalleled. He stuck to his people like Velcro, played Get the Salt when we cried and he wanted to lick our faces, and just generally helped through countless triumphs and trials.

Ruffles stuck around for over 18 years on this earth. When his sight and hearing faded, we stuck to his side like he’d always done for us. His brother dog, Toby, herded him here and there like the old goat he was.

I think the lesson I’d want everyone to learn from Ruffles is that you can never write a dog off. He was surrendered because of a kid at home who had poor boundaries, and he was initially a bit distant. But it took him no time at all to reset and become a trusting and integral part of our home.

Let dogs in, to your homes and your hearts. They will grow to love you just as you do the same. Bigger than you can ever know.

-Greg

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