There’s a quote by an unknown author that says, “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”

Gumball only knew Whistlepig for four months but there is no doubt they would have been best friends. This little one has been the sliver of hope in Caitlin’s life and is helping fill the void left by her big sister.

She’s still learning that the furniture in the shop is not the furniture in her home and that not everyone likes puppy kisses, but she’s our newest little heeler and she’ll be happy to welcome you in the store.

We lost our sweet girl, Whistlepig on December 15, 2023 in a tragic accident. She was our shop dog and a part of our family for 10 1/2 years. She was Caitlin’s absolute best friend, her co-pilot, her confidant and her heart dog.

For many of you who met her and knew her well, she was a real life angel and the sweetest soul to ever walk this earth. Caitlin rescued her at 11 weeks old and the two were inseparable from day one. She loved eating cardboard as a puppy, (which thankfully we always had a lot), she learned to be less wary of people from her daily work schedule, she rolled her eyes when people asked, “how much for the dog”, or, “is the dog for sale”, peanut M & M’s were her favorite work treat and as the years passed you would often find her sleeping on a rug somewhere in the shop. She was the calm, peaceful, loving presence in the store and in the lives of those who were closest to her.

Every dog is special, but Whistlepig was one of a kind and such a gift to those who encountered her. There will forever be a gaping hole in all of our hearts, but especially Caitlin’s as life continues to carry on.

Rest in peace sweet girl. May you always remember you were loved endlessly. ❤︎