Dear Friends,

I must share some news with you, even though it will make you sad. I got my angel wings today – I am in Heaven now. I passed away peacefully during one of my many naps in my favorite spot on the couch. I was dreaming about apples with peanut butter and basketballs.

My family is beyond devastated, as you can imagine. To say I was loved by them would be a huge understatement. Their hearts are broken in a million pieces. However, they loved me with their whole hearts every minute of every day, and they have no regrets. My mom often told me, “Porterhouse, we love you TOO much.” She knew how hard this day would be. But you didn’t love me “TOO much,” Mom. You and Dad loved me just right. I was the luckiest bullie every to live.

I never questioned whether I would be fed (although the amount was a little less than satisfying at times… just sayin’), never wondered where I would lay my big ol’ head, never felt abandoned or neglected, never wondered if I would get a belly rub when I wanted it. For that I am forever grateful. I had more friends than most humans, and I love each and every one of you with my whole heart. As the official live mascot for Drake University, I was given a student body that truly adored me and treated me like a celebrity. I loved the students more than anything and I will truly miss them.

Magoo is going to be lost without me, at least for awhile. Thankfully, however, he has the tremendous love of my parents and our sister O to get him through this. Magoo was my buddy. We were so very different, but such a perfect pair. He idolized me and was the most loyal brother and ear cleaner I could have imagined. I loved you so very much, Magoo. And I’m so proud of you. You’re a good boy.

My sweet sister O is also going to miss me. We snuggled constantly and loved each other deeply. She’s such a gentle and nurturing soul. She’s overcome so much. She’s going to be confused for awhile. She, too, will be okay with the incredible love of my family. O and Magoo will definitely need to rely on each other for comfort.

My parents were on the road to Minneosta when my grandparents came to check on us this morning. They’re the ones that found my body. They took Magoo and O home with them until Mom and Dad got back. Before leaving, O came over to me and gave me one last gentle kiss on the face. She knows I’m gone, but I’m afraid my brother Magoo doesn’t quite understand yet.

My parents were so excited for me to meet my new human brother or sister this March, but now I will just have to love and watch over him or her from afar. I love that little person like crazy already. We’ve gotten some good cuddle time in through Mom’s stomach over the past 6 months. This baby has been introduced to the fine art of snoring already. Magoo and O will provide more than enough doting, I have no doubt. I do think naming him or her Porterhouse would be a nice tribute, don’t you? I’m just saying.

Every day of my life was full of phrases like “I love you, Porterhouse!” and “Good boy, Porterhouse.” and “I’m so proud of you, buddy!” and “You are one handsome devil, Porter.” Sure, there were a few “You are the most stubborn dog I’ve ever known” and “Porterhouse, stop being so difficult,” but I don’t think we need to dwell on those.

Please keep my spirit alive in Porterhouse Nation. If you get a dog, I beg you to adopt one from a shelter or rescue (such as the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue). Keep up the good fight against puppy mills by supporting organizations such as the Iowa Voters for Companion Animals. Volunteer. Do good for others and be kind to both animals and each other. Share the love, my friends.

Thank you… from the bottom of my bullie heart… for loving me and being so wonderful to my family. It means more than you will ever know. I had the best life and I went to Heaven on my own terms – drama free. Sending you lots of love, now and forever.

Oh, and one more thing: GO BULLDOGS!

Peace, Love, and Bulldogs…

Porterhouse