Early the next morning, the trap was closed. I lifted the blanket and saw him—small, scared, with the softest, most vulnerable eyes I’d ever seen. My heart felt like it might burst. I brought him inside, where he sat in silence, his whole body tense and fearful. But after a few hours, I sat beside him, letting him take in my scent, and I gently opened the crate. In that instant, he crawled into my lap, nestling into me as though he’d finally found a place he could trust. I fell in love with him in that very moment.

Months passed as I searched for his family, but no one came forward. So, I adopted him, and we became inseparable. He became woven into the fabric of our lives, sleeping between my husband and me, going everywhere with me. It was as if he’d always been with us. I discovered he already knew all his commands—only in French! He was strong and compact, yet so agile and graceful, the perfect partner for training and competing in dock diving, barn hunting, and bite sports. He loved to learn, and there was a fire in his eyes every time he looked at me, eager to make me proud.

Goosey had a heart like no other. He was obsessed with toys, especially his beloved giant blue herding ball, which he would nudge, pounce on, and chase for hours. He’d climb trees, dive into the pool, and would eat anything I put in front of him, even lettuce! And as high-energy as he was, he had an off switch, a gentle side that made him so unique. He was always careful with foster puppies and other dogs, like he understood his own strength. He adored my nieces and nephews, and his patience with them was endless.

When my daughter was born, Goosey’s heart belonged to her. He was so protective and loving toward her, their bond so pure. Watching them together brought more happiness than I could ever have imagined. I thought we would have years of memories watching them grow side by side. It breaks my heart that their time was cut short, that I won’t see her playing with her best friend, her little protector.

Losing Goosey has left a hole so deep that I still don’t know how to fill it. The house feels quieter, emptier, as if it’s missing the heartbeat that kept everything alive. It’s hard to find words that can truly do him justice, because Goosey wasn’t just a dog; he was a piece of my soul, and everyone who met him felt that special light. He was my chicken nugget, my whole heart, and if I could have just one more moment with him, I’d hold him close and never let go.

As we wait in hope to bring Goosey’s genetic twin into our lives, I find a little comfort in knowing that a part of him might one day walk through our door again. But nothing will replace him, my perfect boy. I will love and miss you forever.