05/24/2026
On this Memorial Day Weekend, I want to share with you the extraordinary letter I just received from a former adopter about the puppy she and her husband adopted back in July 2012.
Every dog lover will appreciate this account of his life, and it exemplifies why I got into rescue in the first place -- to help dogs (and people) to a better life. Riley couldn't have been a better name for him. He undeniably lived his best life.
Grab tissues and please hug your dog today.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
You most likely will not remember us, as we know you have helped hundreds if not thousands of families find their beloved pups over the years. But we wanted to share the story and life of the most precious gift you ever gave to us: our Riley (formerly Rhys).
I have thought many times over the past months how to express our gratitude to the ones who changed our lives forever, who said "yes" to our adoption application, and who cared for him during his first months of life. Sharing his story is the best way to let you know that you granted our greatest wish and blessed us beyond measure.
In June of 2012, we found The Little Pink Shelter, fell in love with Rhys, and were approved! You were both so patient, answering our many questions, sharing precious photos of him as he grew while in Arkansas, and helping us prepare for his arrival. On Friday, July 13th, Rhys and his siblings arrived after their long journey. I still remember our drive to Connecticut—the anticipation, nerves, and excitement. The moment the transport pulled in, our hearts exploded. The very second Rhys was placed in my arms, I knew our family was complete and cried with joy. George felt it too; the minute he held him, his heart melted.
We named our boy Riley and loved introducing him to our family, friends, neighbors and our entire community. It wasn't long before we realized how incredibly special he was. He had the personality of a puppy, an old soul, and a human all rolled into one. He was playful but mature, staring into your very soul with his beautiful eyes. In our NYC neighborhood, where many just walk past, Riley was determined to meet everyone. He was friendly beyond belief, intent on creating long-lasting relationships with neighbors, fellow dog parents, local business owners, and doormen. Even those who were fearful of dogs were drawn to him like a magnet.
Wherever we went, Riley went—local errands, family get-togethers, trips to see friends, and eventually joining me at work meetings. He tolerated cars and hotels because he knew it meant seeing people, but he was always happiest in his neighborhood, his building and at home, where he felt safe and loved.
Riley was an explorer who loved long walks. We would walk for hours from our home in Long Island City, Queens, over the bridges into Brooklyn and Manhattan. George and I would have to turn him back toward home because he just wanted to keep adventuring. Local business owners got to know us and would have water or treats ready. Sandra at the UPS store, Camilla at the market, Ashling & Paula from the Irish pub, Sayeed from the hardware store, the local firemen and police officers, Sammy at the Korean grocery, and Eric, Charlie, and Skinny at the restaurants all adored him. He loved sitting with the neighborhood old-timers—like Terry, Sal, and Aunt Cathy—who always hid treats under their chairs.
Perhaps his most special bond was with Maria, a prep cook at the Italian restaurant across the street. Riley would sit on the sidewalk and watch her make fresh pasta until their eyes met. From then on, they looked for each other every morning. She began packaging little bags of fresh pasta just for "My Riley". If we passed by at night after she went home, Riley would sit and refuse to move, waiting for her.
Next to his walks, his favorite thing was "school" (daycare), aside from the beach, where he was a true water bug and trips to Fire Island where he could run free with his friends. At school, everyone adored him. He became an ambassador, showing new puppies how to behave on walks. This is where he met Aura, initially his dog walker who became his second Mom. They formed an unbreakable bond, and Aura became the only person we trusted to watch him when we had to travel without him. For years to come, Riley would always steer our walks past school or his Vet's office, waiting outside the doors just to see those who loved him so much. It became quite hilarious when people walking past us would wonder why he was just sitting there at night, staring waiting while George & I stood with him.
At around 5 or 6 years old, Riley began having seizures and was diagnosed with Epilepsy. He took it in stride, coming out of protocols smiling and looking for treats. Daycare was incredibly vigilant and compassionate, never making us feel like it was too much. From that point on, we made sure Riley was never alone for even one minute. We built our lives around him without a second thought, as Riley was the most important part of our lives.
Riley brought us more joy than we ever imagined; he was the one who actually rescued us all those years ago. You raise a puppy thinking that he needs you, but it was George & I who needed Riley. He brought incredible people into our lives, including his Godparents, Nanette & Jerry, who are now our dearest friends. Aura is our family now and remains our rock. People like Sandy, Tracy, Ronnie, and Brad and so many others, are all part of our lives because Riley drew them in first. Through all of life's trials, he was our strength. When my Mom became ill, Riley visited her at the rehab facility and became the poster boy for all the patients. When she passed, and later when George's Dad passed, Riley gave us comfort and granted us the grace we needed to grieve.
At age 13, he began to slow down just a little, and then our world shattered when his Vet found a tumor. We were determined to stay positive and surround him with the best care possible. Dr. Joanna came to our home weekly for acupuncture treatments, and herbal remedies. Riley grew to love her patience, compassion, and her backpack of treats. After learning the tumor was malignant, Riley had his first surgery in January 2025. He was a champ and recovered quickly, but the margins weren't clear.
We were referred to Dr. Huck, a top surgical oncologist at AMC in Manhattan. Riley’s second surgery in April 2025 was much more significant and invasive. He had to stay overnight—the strangest, hardest day and a half George and I had ever experienced. When he came home, we took turns sleeping on the floor next to his bed for weeks until he let us know he was ready to get back to his routine. Unfortunately, the margins still weren't clear and a third surgery wasn't an option for his quality of life, so we started chemotherapy. He tolerated it beautifully for months until kidney issues forced us to stop.
By winter, the tumor began growing again. We knew we only had a few months left, and we cherished every single second. Riley gave us four more months of beautiful walks, laughter when he barked at the pizza delivery, and endless cuddles. George became his personal groomer when he could no longer stand at the regular groomers. He gave us one last Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter. He have us more than we could have ever hoped for, but still almost 14 years was not enough, we wanted Riley to be with us forever.
Then, on April 11th, 2026, our precious boy left us to be free of pain, to run with old friends, and to wait for us by the door when our time comes. Losing him has been the most difficult experience of our lives; he was our everything. Our entire community is grieving with us. The heartbreak on the faces of everyone who knew him has been astonishing, and the outpouring of support has left us speechless.
To honor him, we held a Celebration of Life dinner on what would have been his 14th birthday, May 9th, at his favorite restaurant (where Maria used to give him pasta). Family, friends, his entire care team, daycare staff, and neighbors gathered. Some even came from out of state. We shared stories of how Riley impacted all of our lives. At home, we talk to him throughout the day, and he has already sent us signs that he is ok and is here with us.
Next week, we are making a trip to Arkansas—the place where Riley was born, rescued, and spent his first months—to find comfort. We fly into Memphis on Friday evening, May 29th, and will be in the Little Rock area until Monday.
We know this is a lot, but you both were instrumental in granting our greatest wish and completing our family. If not for you, we would have never known the special love of our Riley. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We are eternally grateful to you both for giving us our precious boy. I'm going to attach just a few (of thousands lol) photos of our Riley Bear.
Love,
George & Laurie
