Ralph and Sysco were two of the coolest – and most stylish - pups around, and I am thankful to have gotten to know them over the years. Tails wagging, tongues hanging - Both boys would always greet me as soon as I walked into the Szwejbka home. In different ways, they both had as much personality as their equally-as-cool and welcoming owners. And, maybe that's one of the many reasons why people who were lucky enough to be their people-friends thought of Ralph and Sysco more as fellow-people than pets.

I met Ralph because I worked with Ralph’s dad (and there were a few days where I remember seeing my buddy Ralph at work too!). About a month into that job - probably around the 4th of July - a few of us new hires were invited to a gathering (what would become my first of many 😊) at Ralph’s parents’ house. It’s kind of funny to me now to think that the first time I met Ralph was also the first time I met Ralph’s mom. Ralph was awesome – He liked me right away (but then, he was always a lady’s man!), even if his mom was still trying to figure out if I was fake-nice or real-nice (This makes me laugh now, and hopefully as she reads this, it brings a smile to his mom’s face too). Ralph was fun to snuggle with, he was a great beach companion as well as a walking and hiking sidekick. Much like me, he wasn’t a fan of the crazy BIG heights, but he still managed to keep a good pace. Ralph was also a good travel buddy, and a polite passenger in the car. Sometimes his breath was a little stinky, but I didn’t mind. For the most part, he kept his slobber to himself. He was very considerate like that!

To me, Ralph will always be a Miracle Dog because he beat the odds a couple of times. One time, there was even a party to wish him well on his next adventure.

Sysco and I may be newer friends according to how people measure the passage of time, but if laps count for anything, we were still pretty tight.

I saw him on TV before I saw him in real-life, so I knew he was tiny… but I didn’t know he was THAT tiny! He thought he was bigger too. He was kind of built like a little linebacker, but with more heart and gumption. It’s because he overcame such hard times that he really learned to appreciate and value the sunny parts of life. If you’re reading this, you should ask his parents for his backstory (if you don’t already know it). It’s fun to watch their faces light up when they share it, and hear them speak in his dog-voice.

Sysco was a lap dog, and while he loved his mom the most, he would make the rounds to make sure he spent ample time with every lap that was willing to host him for a bit. I’m honored to have made the rotation. We most recently sat together on Halloween, admiring the parade of costumes to waltz through the neighborhood. Dressed as a turtle, he got lots of compliments too. 😊

Both Ralph and Sysco lived wonderful, full and happy lives. I can only imagine the stories they’re barking about and sharing with the other pets they’re meeting in Heaven, and the plans they’re devising to let their parents know they’re still around keeping watch. I’m thinking of them wagging their tails and sticking out their tongues... Their welcoming personalities are being put to good use serving as the welcoming committee for other furry friends making the journey. And, as they accomplish this important mission, I hope they’re receiving endless amounts of doggie treats and whatever other awards Heaven has for the pets who are more like people, in their ability to leave so many pawprints on so many hearts while here on Earth.  <3 Rest in peace, my furry friends.