Axel the Doberman

The beach was Axel’s happy place.

We always went at sunrise, so we can have the beach to ourselves before the crowds showed up. The second his paws hit the sand, he knew exactly where he was. He’d run straight for the water, bite at the crashing waves, chase his ball, and just stand there in the shallows. He was a true water dog.

We had plans to bring Axel and Karma back to the beach during the first week of May. It was already on the calendar. But life had other plans, and Axel never made it.

So in his memory, we brought him back one last time.

We spread some of his ashes in the place he loved most, watching the same sunrise he saw so many times before. It wasn’t the same, but it felt right.

Thank you for all the memories, buddy. The beach won’t be the same without you 🤎🌊🐾

I replay this day in my mind more often than I’d like.

This video was taken when I got home that Sunday morning. Axel was excited to see me, just like he always was. An hour later, he was gone.

The day started like any other. I woke up early, fed the dogs, took them for a walk, and headed out for a few hours. When I got home, I planned to make lunch, spend a little time with them, and then leave for a round of golf. Marissa was out of town, so it was just me and the dogs for the weekend.

I let Axel and Karma into the backyard like I had thousands of times before. A few minutes later, Karma started barking at the door in a way that felt different. I thought she was just ready to come back inside.

When I went outside, Axel wasn’t where he usually was. I found him lying on his side near the house.

You all know what happened next.

Since that day, I’ve asked myself every question imaginable. What if I hadn’t gone out that morning? What if I hadn’t left them in the yard alone for those few minutes? What if something had happened differently?

The truth is, I’ll never know.

What I do know is that this was one of the last moments I got to share with my best friend. And if I could go back, I’d stay in that moment a little longer 💔

Karma will always be our little girl 🩷

I feel like Karma is finding ways to stay connected to her brother, or at least that's what l'd like to think.

Axel would lay in this exact spot every single day, resting his body up against the couch with a view to the outside patio.

Karma would typically lay on the couch above him to stay close.

The other day I noticed she was in his spot and it reminded me of the second video that I took of Axel several years ago. I was immediately moved to tears feeling like he was there again.

I think we're all still grieving his loss in a big way, and how Karma feels is no different than us.

Thinking of you always Bubbs 🤎

Karma is always talking back!

Karma hasn’t quite been herself since losing her big brother, Axel, so we thought a beach day was exactly what she needed.

The beach was always one of Axel’s favorite places. He loved running into the waves and splashing around. Karma wants nothing to do with the water, but she had a blast running through the sand and chasing me up and down the beach.

Her beautiful pink tactical harness is from Rabbitgoo. They generously sent matching harnesses for both Axel and Karma, but we never had the chance to use them before Axel passed. Taking Karma on this adventure while wearing hers made the day feel a little more special.

Rabbitgoo offers a variety of colors and styles to fit every pup’s personality. Here’s a link to save 15%
https://www.rabbitgoo.com/discount/IGAXEL15

No matter the circumstances, nothing prepares you for how difficult it is to say goodbye to a beloved pet.

Axel was a happy dog, he loved all the things most dogs love... going for rides in the car, running in the park, cuddling on the couch, and just being around people and the ones he loved.

And he brought us so much joy in return. So seeing his name on a box in our bedroom will never be easy. I thought he had so many years left ahead of him. But life doesn't work that way, and we're left here grieving his loss.

We miss you so damn much Bubbs... things just aren't the same without you 💔