09/11/2026
I’m no stranger to grief. I’m familiar with the intense waves of physical pain, manifested by deep emotional havoc. I rationally knew that good boys don’t live forever, but this week has brought on a rollercoaster of sadness and tears that I couldn’t have fully prepared for. On Wednesday, our beloved Timber Boy crossed the rainbow bridge. After receiving a diagnosis that forced our hand to make the difficult choice to lay him to rest, we brought him back to the farm that he loved deeply, so that he could spend his last hours as peacefully and beautifully as possible. He passed under a maple tree and now lays forever in one of our orchards, where he can enjoy each and every sunset.
How does one write a tribute to a dog who was so much more than just a canine? He was the most gentle of souls, fiercely loyal and playfully joyful all rolled into one. He was the best friend that anyone could ask for. Always up for a farm tour or a joyride in the back of the truck, Timber was along for the adventure. Such an icon of the farm that we named it after him…. Timber Acres. If ever you were to pull into the driveway, you were sure to be greeted by him, tongue hanging out, smiling away, eyes glowing with curiosity and a tail wagging. Since August of 2017, he’s made his home here on the farm and he has lived as wild & free as possible. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Timber since September of 2016 when he completely & fully stole my heart, but Chris and Timber’s companionship dates back further than that. Chris’s mission with Timber was always to give him the best life he knew how. This included copious amounts of raw meat, infinite freedom, lots of playtime and exercise and a level of unconditional love that was beautiful to witness. Best friends is an understatement. Soulmates is too cliché. Their bond was beyond words.
Timber was a true teacher and healer. I’ve already learned so much from his passing in two short days. There is always time for a walk. There is always a reason to stop and give a hug or snuggle. There is always value in being present outside in nature, feeling the warm sun on your face or the cool breeze in your hair. There is always a way to accept another for exactly who they are and there is always, always a need for us to be more generous with love. Timber inspired and captivated everyone he ever met. There was just something that special about him. Without him here on the farm, we all feel bereft. Rosie misses her companion, too, and to see her wander around confused and longing for her buddy makes our hearts ache.
Grateful for the time spent with him. Grateful for the unconditional love he shared. Grateful for everything he brought to our life.
Towards the end, he was starting to exhibit signs of his 14 years. Hearing loss, a bit more wandering, some accidents in the house and if there’s anything I could do, I wish it was that I had shown him even more grace and love during those instances. When you lose someone who meant so much to you, you play over in your mind the ways that you could have been better, done better. Wherever he is, I hope that he forgives and knows how much I truly loved him and how much he impacted my life in a positive way.
To be honest, I love him more than I love a lot of humans. There’s just something more genuine and soulful about the relationship you can develop with your furry friend. They don’t cast judgment. They’re happy to see you even when you’re in a sour mood or when you just don’t feel like functioning…. Which let’s be real, was a real thing for me in the aftermath of losing Eden. When I started to pursue healing, Timber was right there beside me. One walk at a time, he helped my spirit become less shattered. I will be forever indebted to his gentle coaxing during those times. Reminding me to get outside, take a step, then take another. Man, now I’m choking up again, and this is getting long winded.
So, I will leave you with this…. A little list of some of Timber’s Favorite Things:
Truck rides with Chris around the neighborhood
Beef knuckles
His big red ball
Taking down woodchucks
Venison bones
Long walks down the lane at the farm
Guarding the farm by the pine trees
Wandering into the cornfield, and wandering back out with a cob of corn in his mouth
Wrestling with Rosie
Giving all of his love to every single person he met
Yodeling at 3am
Napping in the asparagus patch
Munching on tall grass
Catching snowballs in the winter
Finding the best sun spots in the house
Going for leisurely dips in the water
Timber Boy, love you so much buddy. Your absence is felt deeply, you were a beautiful anchor connecting us to the simple yet profound daily rhythm of life and ours will never be the same without you. Thank you.
