14/06/2026
On the 7th of June we said goodbye to Quinn.
We adopted Quinn from Project Dog Durban in 2016 when he was just a year old. He was an unwanted dog at a rescue, but from the moment he came into our lives, he was ours. Bringing him from South Africa to Portugal was a challenge, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. It was worth every obstacle, every expense, and every ounce of effort. I wouldn't change it for the world.
Quinn was independent, intelligent, loyal, and wonderfully goofy. He had a quiet confidence about him, but he could also make us laugh with his silly moments. He wasn't just a pet, he was a member of our family.
My children grew up with him by their side, and losing him has been incredibly difficult for all of us. He was woven into the fabric of our everyday lives for so many years that it's impossible not to feel his absence everywhere.
I loved every grey hair that appeared on his face because it meant we were growing older together. I used to jokingly call him "Sean Quinnery" because of his distinguished grey muzzle. Looking back now, those grey hairs were a gift. They told the story of a life well lived and years spent together.
His favourite thing in the world was his daily walks on the trails. No matter what kind of day it was, a walk made him happy. He loved exploring, sniffing, and simply being outdoors.
He adored Peppa and always seemed to know exactly where she was. One of the things that always touched my heart was watching him lick the rainwater from her after a wet walk. It was such a small act, but it spoke volumes about the gentle and caring soul he was.
He was also the most amazing dog in the car. He would sit beautifully in the back seat and stare out at the passing landscape. Sometimes I would look at him and wonder what he was thinking. He always looked so thoughtful, as though he was quietly taking it all in.
Now the hardest part is the silence he has left behind.
My heart breaks every time I see his empty bed or pass one of his favourite spots and realise he isn't there. I miss seeing him stretched out in the garden, sunbathing on his back with his belly pointed towards the sky. I miss hearing him move around the house. I miss seeing him watching over everything. I miss him.
To honour him, I planted a bed of sunflowers and made a wooden sign that reads, "Run Free Boykie."
The flowers will grow, the seasons will change, and life will continue moving forward. But Quinn's place in our family will never be replaced. His pawprints are everywhere, in our memories, in our home, and in our hearts.
Thank you, Quinn, for your loyalty, your companionship, your protection, and your unconditional love. Thank you for growing old with us.
Run free, Boykie.
Until we meet again. 🌻🐾
