Holding On While Letting Go — SOPHIE + ROSCOE

This post comes from a heavy, heavy heart. If you haven't heard from us much lately, here's why.

For the last three months, Roscoe and I have been battling his cancer. He was diagnosed in early April 2025 with Osteosarcoma in his hind leg. It's ironic; the same surgery that fixed his CCL tear is the same surgery that fated his cancer. While the surgery gave him six more years of pain free adventures, hiking, walking, visiting the mountains it is also what killed him. I hope, and I believe, that this is a trade-off he was willing to make.

After vet visits, cancer consultations, talking with a pet medium, and a lot of crying I decided to let Roscoe live out the rest of his days at home. For those of you who know Mr. Roscoe, you can imagine how he would have reacted to chemo treatments, vet visits, and constantly being poked and prodded. I can see his grumpy little face now, hating every moment of it.

So, for three months I slept on the couch in the living room with my baby. Luckily, even with the current political climate, I was able to work from home which gave me every possible minute with Roscoe. During this time we laid in the sun, we laid on the floor, we spent time in the yard, I read my books to him, all his favorite people visited, and he ate A LOT of bacon.

Then on July 15th, 2025, Roscoe crossed over the rainbow bridge. He passed at home in the backyard surrounded in so much love. To my two amazing friends that were there with me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not have done it without your love, support, and help. Thank you for loving me at my absolute messiest.

Roscoe and I had twelve wonderful years together. I still remember the first picture I saw of him. Someone abandoned this tiny puppy at a gas station in negative degree weather. I cannot imagine the person who let this puppy walk out of their life, but I have never been so thankful. Their loss was my life's gain. Those that know our origin story, know that Roscoe saved me. He was a tiny beacon of light during my darkest time. Well, maybe not so tiny of a beacon. Roscoe had a larger than life personality and touched a lot of you out there.

In his honor, will you all take a walk with me down memory lane?

The First Picture I Ever Saw of Roscoe

Roscoe's First Day in His Forever Home

The Exact Moment I Fell in Love

With This Little Soul

Our Favorite Place:

Hinkley Lake [Hinkley, OH]

Pre-Run Stretch

Post-Run Mud

Our Other Favorite Place:

Lake Erie [Erie, PA]

Summer Roscoe

Winter Roscoe

If I Sitz, I Fitz: Vol 1

If I Sitz, I Fitz: Vol 2

Just a Girl & Her Dog: Vol 1

Just a Girl & Her Dog: Vol 2

Living in an Adventure

In Denver, CO

Selfie: Vol 1

Selfie: Vol 2

Selfie: Vol 3

Selfie: Vol 4

Selfie: Vol 5

Selfie: Vol 6

Our First Photo Shoot

[Amber Boutwell Photography]

Roscoe: Hater of Christmas Photos Vol 1

Roscoe: Hater of Christmas Photos Vol 2

My Stoic Little Love: Vol 1

My Stoic Little Love: Vol 2

The Time I Bought Roscoe a House: Vol 1

The Time I Bought Roscoe a House: Vol 2

The Way He Made Me Laugh

The Way He Made Me Smile

Roscoe, Lover of Blankets: Vol 1

Roscoe, Lover of Blankets: Vol 2

Roscoe, Lover of Blankets: Vol 3

Roscoe, Lover of Blankets: Vol 4

Our Last Photo Shoot

[Amber Boutwell Photography]

Well, here we are; end of the road. I keep wondering, how do you say goodbye to someone who means everything to you? I don’t know the answer, maybe there isn’t one. I guess that is something we all have to figure out at some point in our lives.

While I figure out what my life looks like without Roscoe, I’m looking for quiet space to grieve. Instead of texting, will you post a comment below? Tell me something you remember about him, something you loved about him, a funny story, anything….everything.

Farewell my love, may we meet in our next lifetime.