Quincy

Most of my writing started out as a Mom blog. But then life got really busy and my blog sat collecting digital dust. I revived my blog in October 2022 to pay homage to a very special dog and share his obituary.

Quincy the hound was many things. He was a gold medal counter surfer, an exceptional trash diver, a fierce defender from mailmen and squirrels. He was a loyal companion with a heart of gold. He was a best friend. 

Quincy was born in 2010. Or 2008. Or somewhere in between there. He was born in Oklahoma, most likely, or somewhere else in the Dust Bowl. His beginnings weren’t fully known but theories include a circus dog, gangster, or farm hand. However his life started, it wasn’t the kindest and it’s a testament to the goodness of a dog’s heart that he was able to overcome. Mostly – he never did outgrow some fears from his previous life, including umbrellas, water, and most mustached men. 

Sometime in the summer of 2010, with a new tattoo of 64394 on his belly, Quincy found himself on a transfer to Boulder, CO. Go west, young man. He waited at the shelter for a while. People would look at him and for reasons unknown, leave with another dog. After a few months, he met a young couple, Nick and Caitlin, who would take him home. He was 50% off, $24.50. Best money they ever spent. 

Quincy came to live with Nick and Caitlin in her apartment, and a few weeks later their first apartment together. He was introduced to his feline brother in arms, Grover. Although not thrilled at first, eventually Grover came around to him and they became close friends. 

Over the years, Quincy moved with Nick and Caitlin six times. He was there when they got engaged and when they got married. He was there for birthdays, Christmases, and Thanksgivings. He was there for parties, taking advantage of the chaos to steal a raw pizza, a tray of brownies, and a platter of pulled pork, among other things. He was not usually there for Halloweens or July 4ths because it was Halloween and July 4th.  

Quincy attended PetSmart obedience school, more than once. He wasn’t exactly a dropout but he wasn’t exactly a graduate either. He was very good at spinning and rolling over for treats but never quite mastered staying. Why stay, when you can come?

In 2019, Quincy was there when Nick and Caitlin brought home a human puppy, Sutton. He wasn’t sure at first and kept barking at the strange creature but over time he realized she wasn’t going anywhere and he accepted, and eventually, loved her. He was much better the second time around when Winnie was brought home in 2021. He was fiercely devoted to the girls, protecting them from the cat and the lawn mower, and enjoying all the food they dropped over the years. 

Quincy loved Frasier reruns, popcorn, barking, going for long walks, snoozing in the sunshine, belly rubs and his stuffed monkey. He loved hot dogs, ear scratches, and chasing squirrels. He loved his people more than anything. 

Quincy battled many health issues over the years but remained steadfast. He overcame surgery on his leg, a mass cell removal on his neck, pancreatitis, and other various maladies. He passed away suddenly at home on July 27, 2022, surrounded by the people he loved, and who loved him, the best. 

If Quincy taught us anything, it’s this: never let what has happened in your past ruin your future. Remain optimistic. See the good in people. Protect what matters the most. Wag with your entire body. Love with your whole self, from nose to tail. 

Until we meet again, Quince.  I wish we had more time and I know you would have given us more if you could, but thank you for being by our sides for 12 years. We will love and miss you always.