Rupert came to our family when he was 3 years old. He had been more or less a decoration to an apartment in New York City…. he deserved better! My sons, Ethan and Collin, came with me to meet him…and we were smitten immediately. After a long, chaotic ride back to Kent, CT, Rupert (previously named Bobbi) met his forever family. Us. My husband Eric. Our two cats (Smokey & Bandit) and two other larger dogs (Digby & Tyson). Instant love. This city dog, initially afraid of grass, soon enough was running with the big dog. Cuddling with his people. Causing a ruckus with the cats. Rupert met his new grand-people…and every visitor was a new friend. His greatest love, however, were his immediate family. His kids. His mom & dad. He was doted on, adored and snuggled every chance anyone got. Though he hated car rides , he eventually moved to South Carolina with his family – including his newest friend, and indoor pig named Rhett. Rhett and Rupy were like peas and carrots. They cuddled, ate together, and passed time just being together. In 2018 we returned to CT, but Rhett stayed in SC. Rupert missed him….we knew he did…and it weighed heavy on us all. In December of that year, we bought our first home. We all moved in and began a new little life in Canaan. Rupert had his own little area with fencing to potty, and a whole yard to walk with him family and play in. Rupert enjoyed such simplicity though….his FAVORITE outdoor pastime was snoozing in the sunshine. He never passed up a nap, cuddle or ear scratches in the warm sun. Both inside and out. Sadly, in 2021 Rupert was diagnosed with a stage 4 heart murmur. His people were told they had about a year left together. It was devastating. But we all took it in stride. However, not one to conform…Rupert crushed that timeframe. He enjoyed DOUBLE that time with his family.
Rupert never met a person or animal who wasn’t his friend. He had a smile, perky ears, shining eyes and a cute little trot every day. That’s exactly how he met everyone and every pet – with love, excitement and hope for a new bond. A new friend. He wrapped everyone around his little paw…even people who claimed to not be “ small dog people”. It can’t be helped – for though he was small in stature, his bigger than life love, happiness and eagerness to show he cared was impossible to ignore or dislike. Rupert made vets swoon with his uncharacteristic sweetness, gentleness and kindness. He never bit anyone. He never even growled at anyone. Rupert didn’t have even the smallest streak of temper or unhappiness in his little body.
One of his favorite pastimes was being spoiled and loved on by his grandma Slater. Oh Rupert just LOVED when grandma showed up. He was certain to be spoiled – as all grandmas tend to do. His little tail went a million miles a minute when his boy, Collin, came downstairs in the morning…and again when he returned home from school. Daddy would be welcomed home from work with a purring (oh yes…he literally purred!) wiggle and bright eyes. Mommy and Rupert had plenty of puppy spa days;, puppicinnos at Starbucks….and lazing in the warm sun with snuggle. Smokey, the female kitty in the family, loved to snooze alongside him. Rupert LOVED Christmas….and excitedly sat with us while gifts opened and exclamations of thanks and praise were shared. Santa always remembered Rupy too. Holidays with extended family visiting brought Rupert his favorite….more people to love.

Sadly, Rupert’s health decline started in 2023, and came rapidly in 2024. We never thought that at a time when we had just received a few good pieces of news, that our happiness would be very short lived. On March 26, 2024, Rupert began his goodbyes to us. We just didn’t know it. I attempted to neaten his fur as it had some matting and he just was never a messy boy. Though admittedly I am NOT a groomer…I always tried my best. Ever since his heart murmur diagnosis we stopped going to groomers as I couldn’t ensure he was kept calm with them. He was angelic for me. Always enjoying his grooms and baths…yes, I swear.
The night of the 26th, Collin and Eric and I stayed with Rupert, with Collin and Eric constantly laying by his sides. Sadly, Rupert took his finally little breaths at midnight on 3/27/24. Our sweet, brave, charismatic, beautiful, loving baby took leave of his earthly form to frolick with Jesus and other pets across Rainbow Bridge. The unbearable sadness and pain we all feel in his absence is staggering. Our consolation is knowing that our sweet, best boy, no longer hurt.

Rupert will NEVER be replaced. Never replicated. Never forgotten. Not for one day. He is our bestest boy. We couldn’t have dreamed up a better dog; a better companion. His love and unending sweetness will forever and ever be remembered by everyone he has met. But especially us. We are so blessed to have had this little angel to call our own. I pray that he is with my mother’s dog, Gunnar, whom he adored and who sadly passed before him. I hope that when my time comes….i see my boy waiting for mf. Running towards me with all the life, love and vitality that he had when he was well. Together, we will wait for our family members and greet them with love. I know if there exists a world after this, that he is already in the arms of loved ones and playing with family pets we grew up with as children. I pray for this. Such love can’t just stop…

Rupy…..daddy, Collin, Ethan and I love you so much. I hope you heard us telling you. I hope you felt our kisses, our soft caresses and pets… I hope you lived a life you loved with us. I pray we will see each other again. Please look over us. We just love you so much, sweet boy. I’m so sorry we didn’t get more time. I’m so sorry you were sick and things went as they did. It’s so unfair. We will miss you every second, of every day until we see you again, my darling boy. We love you.