Gnowee Olinyk

March 2012 - May 5th, 2025

For 13 years, I gave Gnowee the best life. So, it was only natural that we gave her the best death.

She had more energy in her final hours than she'd had all week. It warmed us all to see her walking and sniffing and exploring. She was never much for toys but always loved extra treats.

We took our last drive together and she was all smiles. I'm not sure if she knew what was coming, but I think she was ready. She got lots of Timbits and a whole can of sardines, her favorite!! She didn't want to eat much, but she tried. She tried for us.

Erica, who I'm convinced is half vet-half angel, met us at my Dad's house where we said goodbye. I believe it was painless. I believe she is free. There were so many tears. Gratitude. Grief. Love. Relief.

We laid her to rest beside Dad's garden, a place she loved and where we can still visit her. I lay with her body, giving her blessings and final pets until we were all ready. My best friend. 

Being Gnowee's human was one of my favorite experiences in this life. I wanted to be her human for longer; I wanted one more summer. I wasn't ever a perfect doggy-mama, but she loved me anyways - a love unconditional is such a blessing.

Rest in peace, sweet G. The sweetest, most loving, most goofy, weirdest, kindest dog. My hiking buddy, running buddy, walking buddy, napping buddy.

You were so much more than just a dog. You were so much more than love embodied. You are so missed already.