Goodbye & Goodnight Pluto Brown

Tonight we said our final “goodnight” to our most loved and treasured dog Pluto. It was a terribly sad few hours (and days) filled with many tears as we accepted the news that he had cancer and wasn’t going to get any better. Pluto has long been part of our family, for a little over 12 years in fact, and we will miss every part of his fun-loving character. For me especially, Pluto has always been more than a pet. And losing him as part of our daily lives feels a bit like losing a part of myself. Some people may say, “it was just a dog.” but he was so much more than that. 

I bought Pluto at my own garage sale in Republic, Missouri from a guy in the neighborhood looking to sell the adorable six-month-old golden Cocker Spaniel puppy because he was getting picked on too much by his older sibling dogs. In our first meeting, Pluto came and sat on my lap with his big fluffy paws hanging over my legs. It didn’t take long for me to know he was the perfect dog for me (and us). On that cool, fall day in 2004, on the porch of the first house Josh and I owned, I said, “I’ll take him,” without asking my spouse first - which caused me a little trouble later but it all worked out. After a little negotiation, Josh quickly began to love him too.

Pluto moved and changed with us and continued to be that constant, faithful friend that we came home to, wherever that home might be - Missouri, Texas, Virginia or Nevada. He traveled with us often, camped with us in a tiny tent, slept with us in cars when needed and visited family and friends everywhere. For a little over 12 years, Pluto has been the sleepy friend waiting for us by the door or sometimes on the couch. He would quickly welcome us with a happy smile, pant, and tail wag and immediately get his bone. We loved that he only liked one kind of bone - which was the one that could rarely be found because it was technically unsafe for dogs. He loved each new version regardless of safety.

Beyond our everyday greetings and adventures, Pluto has been a constant companion who held all my secrets and listened to my silly stories. This cuddly creature comforted my aching heart when loved ones passed away, he sat beside us when the challenges of infertility surrounded us, and entertained us when we needed it most.

Pluto also was a source of creativity and imagination. During the past few years, Pluto’s quirky behavior of sleeping in our closet, on or around our clothes became the inspiration for @fashionistapluto (on Instagram). More than an Instagram character, Pluto also has a whole life inside my head and partially inside a current children’s book I am writing about a dog who teaches his family to have fashion sense. Keep watching for the official post about this; it is nearly ready. I started Pluto’s Instagram account to keep me motivated – and since I still have thousands of pictures of Pluto - his story and whimsical photos will continue to echo on social media. 

The many great moments with Pluto will continue to bring great memories mixed with a new grief of losing a beloved part of our family. We are beyond thankful for the 12+ years we had with Pluto and are thankful that God allowed us to share the many wonderful moments with this unique God-created pup.

​He is survived by two grieving owners and countless friends and followers.