08/29/2026
When I was a kid, my favourite books were about young people and their loyal dogs having adventures in the wilderness. I always wanted that dog who would come with you anywhere, listen to you without you needing to speak, and who would be a perfect, loyal companion.
As soon as I fostered Raylan 14.5 years ago, I knew he was that dog.
Raylan travelled where I did and slept with me on couches, in tents, on boats, and on a bean bag chair in an art gallery for a weekend. If there was room for me to lie, there was room for him. Boy did he have some great experiences. I always said he’d be happy in a helicopter landing in a war zone as long as he was with me.
All these adventures and experiences, but my favourite time with him was cuddling on the couch.
It’s obvious how smart and how loving Raylan was, but he was also so silly, and goofy, very protective, and constantly looking to cause trouble. He was so much fun.
The world is dimmer without seeing his bright smile every day, but I take some comfort in the innumerable smiles he brought to millions of people around the world, and to the families of his hundreds of foster kittens, who have their own little beacons of light in their lives because of him.
It makes me happy to know that people in almost every country around the world knew how amazing Raylan was. Because that’s how great he was. He didn’t only bring happiness to me, but to so many others. I appreciate everyone reaching out, and I know this is hard on many of you as well.
Hopefully he’s inspired some other kid out there to rescue their perfect adventure dog.
I miss him so much. Forever my best boy. ❤️
