Bacon the dog … my little legend

a story of love, independence + a true, ever present bond

I admit that wherever any of us go after this life is a mystery to me.

I don’t know if there’s a rainbow bridge, a heaven like we imagine or another sort of afterlife.

What I do know is love.

He has permanently changed me, imprinted on me. He spread so much joy to those he knew & to strangers, and everyone wanted his love. So what a privilege to be the one he loved most. And a privilege to be the one at the beginning (or close to it!) and at the very end.

5,873 days on earth … 5816 together

Bacon was born in Arkansas and named “Korey” (we had to change that name!). He came to me at about eight weeks old when I was a bit of a wild child, living in my condo in Ohio City. Due to my complete ignorance when it came to owning a dog, I planned a bacon-food-themed party for his 2nd day with me — it was a hit and many of the friends who attended stayed in his life permanently. Bacon was quickly acclimated to what life with me would be like in those first few years and his exposure to many a person & circumstance shaped him as a super adaptable pup (who loves travel & new places).

He’s seen me grow up and just grow. One of our first trips together solo was to Ojai, California. We flew to LAX, rented a car, stopped for our first In ‘n Out burger and spent a few days in a beautiful resort - the first of many together! He was always a true adventurer & a model flyer. Some of his favorite spots were Arizona (he used to hike for miles, jumping over boulders, oblivious to his status as a “small dog”); and Napa Valley (bark-uterie board, anyone?).

In January of 2022 he was diagnosed with kidney disease and we were told he had months - he ignored that too and even though life changed (he preferred our spa appointments with Rachel to walks in the park; and strollers to harnesses), he continued to be a lover of life, lover of mom and dad, and a lover of travel. He walked me down the aisle at our wedding and pranced like a champ the entire way.

In the end, nothing “happened”, he was just tired. His little body had pushed so hard and age was catching up. It was our responsibility to say it was time. Even though really, it would never be time. I was grateful that I didn’t feel like he needed a bucket list of crazy stuff because our life together had been simply magical - from walks in the metroparks on an average day to trips to 5* resorts. I loved him on an every-day basis. And even though we did some final special stuff, we simply just had a special 16 years.

thank you’s

Bacon and I were lucky to have a lot of amazing people along the journey of his life. Lynn M(affectionately termed ‘second mommy’) was his dog walker for the first many years of his life, although dog-adventurer would be a more accurate term. She had a pack of dogs of her own and he joined “the big dogs” never really knowing he wasn’t a big dog himself. He was part of the pack and I credit a lot of his spirit and his sense of adventure to her. I’m sure I don’t know the half of all the adventures he has had and I love that for him.

Dr Dean/Jahnke at Happy Pet was our family vet for many years up until the last couple and she was the doctor with us at the end, in our home, providing us as much comfort and peace as possible. She had an amazing blend of east-meets-west-meets-lifestyle medicine when it came to treating pets and she guided us through the beginnings of kidney disease and how to best help our beloved B.

My client Brittany came along right around the point when I learned of Bacon’s diagnosis. She was a wealth of support when it came to kidney disease; she had cared for her own beloved kidney patient pup and was always willing to share with & support me. In fact, she led me to Dr Perry, a vet at Creekside Animal Clinic, and bacon’s acupuncturist and vet these past couple of years. Acupuncture gave him an appetite back and some energy and Dr Perry was always working with us to find something that “worked” for Bacon at any given moment.

My parents were some of the few humans Bacon truly loved and they loved him back deeply. He used to spend our vacations abroad with Grandma, Grandpa and Fin (pup) loving life. Other people he let pet him (honor) included my sister Lauren, brother in law Jason, Aliya, Gabbie (my realtor bud), and of course he loved being in Heather’s bosom … & once in awhile someone would sneak a pet in when he wasn’t looking.

Social Paws (and in particular Lex) was another recommendation from Brittany when we needed extra hands on with Bacon (and Ellie) and Lex was particularly patient and kind, and took Bacon on the cutest walks these past 2 years.

My real estate clients loved him too and most were happy to have him accompany us on showings, inspections and listing media day. He was a bit of a lucky charm.

And, of course, Bacon’s dad. Bacon in some ways brought Brice & I together when he jumped straight onto Brice’s lap the first time he met him (unheard of!). He felt safe with Brice. And together, along with Eleanor, we created a beautiful family unit. Brice walked Bacon, carried Bacon, gave him a warm leg nook to sleep in, comforted Bacon, took Bacon to work and was there for all of the less fun stuff like sub-q injections too. He loved Bacon fiercely and also let Bacon and I keep our very special two-some bond in tact.

~~ please leave a memory you have of bacon or a comment ~~

Right now there is an emptiness and sadness, as I am missing this bright star of mine. More than anything, I want to know he is okay and not alone. He is my heart.

We would love you to share a memory; a thought or a wish below. Let’s memorialize this beautiful life.

Xo, Candace