04/19/2026
We had to say goodbye to our beloved Riva on Saturday and a piece of my heart is gone. She was a unicorn in so many ways, but mainly because she brought so much magic and love to my life during some of the most difficult and dark times. The cliche of we didn’t rescue her, but she rescued me is so true. She was by my side, literally no less than 2 feet away at all times, through infertility & treatment, dealing with an immediate family member’s serious health issue, losing her brother Odin unexpectedly, pregnancy, bringing Ava into the world and postpartum, another close family member’s passing, and just day to day.
She was supposed to be a Marine dog at Quantico, but failed out because she was too sweet. Their loss and our gain. She’s the only Malinois I know that loved everyone she met, babies and toddlers included. She could sense people’s stress and would put her head under your hand or even apply body weight pressure or licking to disrupt your stress and calm you down. She became a big part of Vieira Events, often joining me at dog loving client meetings, rental/floral pickups, hiking with vendor friends, even at an Ornament Exchange and a Sweet Root pop up.
Riva was equal parts lover, Diva, and HBIC. She was as comfortable on the playground with my daughter as she was putting her younger brother who had her by 30 lbs in his place. She scaled literal mountains/rock scrambles with ease, but also loved cuddling and stealing licks of your champagne. She was wicked smart, but preferred to use her powers for loving people and appreciating the finer things more than being a soldier (smart girl). She was my shadow for the past 11 years and I can honestly say I’m here as the person you see because of what she helped me through and how she supported me. While she was almost 15, it still wasn’t enough time. She will be missed greatly and there will truly be another like her. 💔
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