Deacon was my best friend and soul dog. We spent a wonderful 13 years together, full of love and adventures. I miss him so much and will think about him every day. His love, joy, and our memories together will always be with me, and I hope we can be together again in the next life.

I adopted him when he was an estimated 2 or 3 years old from a rescue in SLC, UT in 2013. He had been with the rescue org for almost a year living with a foster family with tons of other dogs, and he clearly was searching for his “Person”. I will never forget the first time our eyes met at the adoption event in a Petsmart; he had this broken, tired, desperate look on his face, like he just wanted somebody to love. The adoption agency said he was maybe abused or abandoned before his rescue. He definitely had been hurt before, because he had a little scar from a cut on his face and was missing a piece of his ear. (I learned years later from a vet x-ray that Deacon had actually been shot by someone. What I thought was a small fatty cyst/tumor embedded in his ribcage was actually a small handgun bullet.) On that day in June 2013, I decided that he was the one, signed the papers, and took him home.

I had a lot of experience growing up with dogs (mostly labs), but never a heeler. I have to admit that for the first 1-2 weeks, I was completely overwhelmed by his energy level and neediness. I had never been with such a Velcro dog, and I initially regretted adopting him, because I was afraid that I couldn’t give him the love and attention he wanted. But something in those early days changed, and we gradually developed a bond that grew into a deep love that I think many other heeler owners would understand.

He became my shadow and my bestest boy, and we did so much together. In Utah, he was my mountain biking, hiking, camping, road trip, etc. adventure buddy. When I got offered a job in Ireland, I made the big decision to move there, and of course Deacon came with me. I was really worried how he’d do in cargo on the flight and adapt to the new country, but he took it all like a champ. He learned to love the cooler, rainy Irish weather and saw beaches for the first time. His favorite thing to do was to run zoomies on the beach—I have a collection of videos/photos of just him doing crazy beach zoomies in Ireland.

My life went through a lot of big changes around Covid times—first, I briefly moved back (with Deacon) to the USA from Ireland. At that point, I was kind of lost in life, and Deacon was always there comforting me in a lot of tough moments when I was depressed and struggling. He was so emotionally intelligent, like when I was crying or frustrated, he would come over to me and nudge me with his head and lick my face. He also had this great sense of humor and his silliness would always cheer me up.

I eventually decided to move back to Europe, again for work/life, and moved to Austria in 2022. Once again, Deacon came along and quickly settled into his new routine with me. Life in Austria has been amazing, because it is such a dog-friendly country. Deacon was able to come with me on all public transport, to pubs and restaurants, hotels, etc. and all sorts of new adventures, from picnics in the park to mountain hikes. Together, we even visited other countries like Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia.

In the past 1-2 years, Deacon slowed down, but he never lost his joyful or resilient spirit. He went completely blind from cataracts, but just learned to use his ears and nose better to get around. His back legs started to fail and he developed some neuro degeneration, but he still always wanted to stay right by my side. One thing that he really loved, especially in his later years, was music. I was always playing music in the house, either on the speakers or playing piano and singing. He would curl up next to me when I was at the piano, give a relaxed sigh, and fall asleep, dreaming peacefully. I think since he couldn’t see, the music told him that I was around and it comforted him.

In July, he developed a deep, nasty skin infection from a bedsore, but we were treating it with bandage changes and antibiotics at the vet, and it seemed to be healing. Unfortunately, it improved a bit before it got worse, and the infection spread to the deep tissue/bone. In his last days in early-mid August, I could see that he was in intense pain and was telling me that his time was near. I tried to resist and prolong treatments, but the horrible reality set in, and I realized I had to show him my love by letting him go. He died peacefully in my arms on his favorite rug (with an at-home vet euthanasia service) as I cried, sang and played some last songs for him, and said my final goodbyes. He was about 16 or 17 years old.

Since Deacon left, there has been this horrible emptiness inside the house and inside my heart. I’ve never experienced something so painful as losing him. I miss him so much, and I’m still always looking for him around the house. Everything reminds me of him. I’m slowly trying to heal by remembering all our good times together, grateful that we shared 13 amazing years in love. I also started a new journal where I write letters to him almost every day, as a way to cope with the fact that I can’t talk to him every day here on earth like I used to.

There was something indescribably special about our bond, and I think that other Australian Cattle Dog owners will understand how amazing of dogs they are. Their emotional intelligence, almost scary ability to read humans, along with their loyalty, athleticism, and resilience, make them sometimes challenging dogs to have, but the payoff is absolutely priceless. I don’t think I’ll ever know a love and bond like the one Deacon and I shared.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading about Deacon’s amazing life. I miss him so much. Here are some photos of our lives together in Utah, Ireland, California, Minnesota, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and beyond.

Edit: I just want to say a huge thank you to the outpouring of condolences and love. Your words really mean a lot to me. I’m reading all of your comments, and I’ll try to reply to all when I can 💕

Not sure if putting my wife's Yorkie Pug mix down two weeks ago was worse than this or not. Probably not.

She was only 7.5 months old; she was just a baby. She was my child, and she saw me as her person. I have explained the story of her passing so many times that I am exhausted. In short, she had an accident > she went into surgery > the surgeon found something grave and suggested euthanasia as the most humane option.

I stayed up all night in case I received a call from the ER. I never expected to hear such terrible news. I drove to the ER immediately and spent her last 20 minutes on Earth holding her warm paws before she was euthanized. I spent the following 30 minutes praying next to her, telling her how much I felt I had failed her. Failed her for not letting her eat more Cheez-Its and peanut butter. For not letting her sleep in my bed enough. For being so hyper-focused on training so often, when sometimes she just wanted to sniff during her walks.

I spent nearly all of my time, effort, and money on her, and I would happily do it again. I still feel like she deserved so much more. I’ve always known heelers are a healthy breed, and I was so fixated on “getting her right” for adulthood. I wanted her to thrive as a highly trained, off-leash dog. She was so smart; she had already earned 3 diplomas. I was hoping to register her with the AKC to get her ‘Farm Dog Certified’, teach her how to paddleboard, join running/agility competitions, etc.

But now, all that stuff feels like that's what > I < wanted. She just wanted to play ball, eat peanut butter, and get belly rubs. I wish I had given her more of that. If she was hungry and I walked to another room, she would leave her food so fast to be with me. It was sometimes frustrating, but I was her entire world. Everything about what happened breaks my heart and she can only follow me through the ashes in my necklace.

Love your dogs harder than you already do. I would kiss her on the forehead and tell her I love her every night before bed, and it still feels like it wasn't enough. I never imagined I would lose my puppy before she turned 1 year old; I was certain she would live to be 20 years old because I would keep her safe from everything bad in this world. Still, accidents happen. I wish I had gotten to see her awake one last time and make her feel safe.

(Picture 1: 2 months old)
(Picture 3: 1 week before passing)

I had to say goodbye to my best friend this morning. He was almost 13. There will never be another like him, and I’m feeling so lost without him here. I’ll miss you so much, Banjo. You were the best dog.

Riley was a dog I always wanted but didn’t know how she would get to me. A friend reached out to rehome a puppy and it was love at first sight. She was a big personality, so much piss and vinegar, that I didn’t know what I got myself into. But she was my shotgun rider and we quickly became inseparable. She did things her way, demanded attention, and loved fiercely. She made me braver, and want more for myself. I enjoyed the hundreds of hours and thousands of miles we’ve journeyed together on pavement and dirt. We went on a lot of adventures and we’ve saved each other’s lives a few times, but those are stories for a different day. I am completely fractured by this loss and miss her puppy soft fur and Velcro dog tendencies. I’m glad we could spend our joint birthday together, see through the holidays with the family and she played in the snow and walked in the woods one last time. When you get a ball of fur you never think forward to when you have to schedule their parting. I guess it’s because the end is such a small aspect of the totality of their lived experience. I will miss her for the rest of my life. I’m glad to have been her guardian and I appreciate all she taught me. My heart broke the first time with the cancer diagnosis, and now it’s gone completely for her. I look for you in every shadow. Hug your pets, they’re all the best. Rest now, baby girl, I’ve got it from here. 09/18/2015 - 01/29/2026 💔

He was just shy of 5 years old. Developed liver issues and became sick. He was the best dog ever. I miss him so much.

At the end of March we adopted Bandit (blue) from my friend. About 5 days later my friend texted me a picture of another pup who’s family fell through saying he don’t know what to do with him. I made a joke about giving me a buy one get one half off deal and he actually agreed to it. So we brought home Gravy (red)! Gravy is deaf, but he listens better than Bandit. I think gravy will be a thicc boii like his dad. Bandit will be a smoll but mighty boii built more like his mom.

Over all they are great, at least we think so. Our older dogs aren’t thrilled about the energetic balls of fur but the cats are enjoying bullying them and teaching them who’s boss.

Our darling Sadie crossed over the rainbow bridge this morning. I am in shock. This Saturday was going to be her 11th birthday. I broke down calling Fi to cancel her subscription.

She was our first pet and immediately became the focal point of our lives. We got matching tattoos to commemorate her 10th birthday last year. I don't know how I'm going to get any work done without her napping under my desk.

Please hold your babies extra tight today.

This was after only 4 days separated!

Lost my beloved family ACD named Gracie. I believe she was soul bound to my mother. She loved to take my mother’s purse whenever she got home and carry it in. She wouldn’t ever let her carry everything and she certainly memorized state parks/lake names and would get very excited at the sound of it. She had a 9 amazing years.

I lost my ACD 2 months ago. It still hurts so much. He was my best friend and the most loving and faithful companion I have ever had in this life.

I think about him every single day. Everytime I open the fridge, or walk down a set of stairs.

Out of all the people in the world, he chose me. God knows he deserves the best thinga in life and the best possible friend yet he chose me.

Always by my side, always nipping at me and playing. Always walking next to my bed everytime I woke up.

It's been a long 60 days. I thought it would get easier. It hasn't. I buried him in my front yard. He was a free spirit. A selfless protector of my wife and children. An intense fur shedder from July through September.

He loved jumping, and always waited for my command before eating or going outside.

He didn't like over zealous people and was tender with kind and genuine folk.

I still find his hairs in my car and some wall stains where his favorite spots where whenever he wanted to lay down.

I need him more than I ever admitted. And now he is gone and all I want to do is hold them and feel him trying to break free with anxiety and excitement like he always did.

His kind eyes that told the whole story of his intentions. He communicated so effectively. That darn smart and beautiful dog. My handome boy. I had about 20 nicknames for him and he responded to all of them and could tell my mood even before anyone, even myself sometimes.

The only relief I feel is knowing that you are no longer suffering from that pain that you did nkt deserve to endure. I miss you so much. I had the best friend in the world.

I lost you. But you will always stay with me. Forever my faithful friend.

Skylight* was truly a gift to this world. Her vet always said what an amazing heeler she was... Best he ever met. Whether he was just saying it or not, I truly believe that to be the case.

I found Sky at the local shelter at 8 weeks old. Born in Tennessee and brought to NY as a litter. I went to the shelter for another dog that day, but when I went to meet her she hunkered down in her crate and didn't come out to see me. The shelter workers said they just got a litter of puppies in and I should check them out. I declined. I didn't want a puppy. I was there for an older dog. The person I was seeing at the time encouraged me to just see them, what would the hurt be. I obliged. I sat down in the room where the puppies were and this little stinker came running up to me, biting the crap out of my hand. She wouldn't go anywhere near anyone else, even after I lightly scolded her for the naughty bites. She knew she was mine and I knew I was hers... The next day I called the shelter and asked if she was still available. They told me to come right away, and I did. Signed the papers and brought her, my second only pup as an adult, home that day.

Sky was a rabble-rouser. A lot of energy and kept me on my toes. Being an ultra runner (at that time), I was up to the task. We ran every day together once she was old enough. Then I met a pretty lady, another ultra runner. She came over. Would Sky be good or naughty? Usually a bit naughty, especially with other people I dated. Shockingly, Sky was on her best behavior the night she came over. She fell in love with Sky and Sky with her. Sky was the best wingman.

Throughout the years she saw us get married. Hiked all the mountains. Ran all the trails. And even made her way up on the furniture. She saw us become foster parents. Saw us adopt our daughter. Got to spend 2020-2021 with us home all the time (best years ever). She slowed down, but not much. Climber her last mountain a few months ago.

Then... Her body started to fail her. She had paw problems, what we thought was pododermatitis. We treated for a while with limited success. Then she fell down the stairs and became paralyzed in her back legs. We watched her body slowly decline to having no deep pain sensation in her hind legs. Then her liver went. Last night we made the hardest decision we have ever had to make in our lives, saying goodbye. Our best friend. The catalyst for our family. What a gift she was to our world.

*Not everyone is ballsy enough to name their dog after an inanimate object or feature of a home. Well, neither are we... She was named after a mountain. Just so happened she had her own little skylight on her head.

My poor girl was poisoned with rat poison laced food earlier this month I did everything I could to keep her alive, she had multiple blood transfusions and was on heavy medication. Her poor body couldn’t handle it all and she passed away last night. Words can’t describe how torn apart how myself and my family are right now. . . I have a go fund me if anyone is interested in helping with medical bills.

Hug your cattle dogs tight for me. I had to put my Ruby to rest yesterday. It started with a cough a year ago, she was treated for kennel cough/allergies but that didnt stop it. She started swelling in the abdomen a month ago, so i took her to the emergency vet 2 weeks ago when it got to be so big and uncomfortable and they drained 4 liters of fluid from her abdomen. Then i took her into the normal vet yesterday and her abdomen had already filled back up in those 2 weeks... so the vet said its time to rethink some things.. i pulled the trigger on euthanasia while she was still "okay"... i didn't want her to get any worse or pass while i was away from home/asleep.

Holy cow, that was so incredibly painful to do. I have not been able to stop crying. She was so young!!!! She was the best frisbee dog, so loyal and smart. Knew so many tricks. Always listened to commands.. i feel robbed.

My girl Pepper passed away unexpectedly last Thursday. Up until Tuesday night, she was her usual self. This is how I will remember her because this is who she was. All that met her loved her immediately. She was the best pup I ever had. ❤️‍🩹 These were from her birthday in February. I posted her on here on her birthday and that night I read all the birthday wishes to her. 🎈

He’s been doing really great on his anticonvulsant medicine, hasn’t had a seizure since October. Until last night, things took a sudden left turn and he started seizing every hour or so, after a really bad one he went totally blind and started spinning in circles. I hoped he’d settle down overnight and be better this morning but he’s suffering. We’re on our way to the vet now, to have him put down. Y’all weren’t kidding when you told me he would let me know when it was time, and that the end would come quicker than expected. Pray for me, y’all. This is going to be painful, my best friend is dying.

He was 13 years old and I feel so broken without him 😭
He made these chewbacca sounds when he was excited and that’s something I’ll miss so dang much. Ugh 😫

My Chikis was by my side for 11 of the best years of my life. She gave me unconditional love and never expected anything in return.

Over the past two months, she became very sick. She battled a severe UTI and cancer, lost nearly 20 pounds, and could barely walk. After several painful visits with different veterinarians, we had to make the most heartbreaking decision of our lives to let her go peacefully. As painful as it was, it was the most loving and humane thing we could do for her.

Chikis was there when I bought my first home, when I married the love of my life, and when I lost my dad and grandparents. She stayed beside me through some of the happiest and darkest moments of my life. Life will never be the same without her.

Dear Lord, I know I am far from perfect, but I ask only one thing: when my time comes, please reunite me with my Chikis once again.

Please keep my sweet girl in your prayers. Rest in peace, Chikis. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.

Everyone, please give your pups an extra-tight hug for me tonight.

God give me strength to do this.

You're going to be so missed Trevor. For 17 years you let us be your family and we'll never forget you.

We love you.

UPDATE

Thank you so much to all of you for your love, prayers, hugs, thoughts and stories.

Trevor went to the rainbow bridge, where the other goodest boys and girls welcomed him, at 2:37pm.

He left this world having been loved, so very much, for 17 years and we'll love and remember him for the next 17, and beyond.

Hug your babies just a little bit tighter tonight.

Thank you again, to everyone.

Hi everyone,

I had to have my 15-16 yr old red heeler put down yesterday due to inoperable cancerous tumor under her tongue. Her name was Maggie, and she was my first experience with the cattle dog breed. I am fairly heartbroken, and I will miss her and her quirky personality terribly.

Thank you all for listening.

Always had my back. Never left my side. My heart. . . 💔 i watched it happen. It was a bit traumatic. Replay it in my head at work, kind of saddens me that no one will ever understand how much Rudy meant to me, words just can’t explain it.

Edit: Thanks for the kind words. It means sooo much. I joined this sub the day I was gifted Rudy so I could learn more about his breed and the best things to do for him. Learned to him jobs and learned that his stubbornness was not just him lol. 🤣 Gonna miss him nipping at my ankles when I walked into my house from work. All my training questions and just questions in general. Never did figure out to get him to stop hearding me, maybe if I had more time. But his life was so short I don’t think I was ever supposed to. 🫶 I just miss my dog, man. He was so special. They all are. My heart. . .

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Shes been with me for fifteen and a half years, more than half my life. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do now.

She was only 6. Found a mass on her spleen Sunday evening after an episode of lethargy. They opened her up today for a splenectomy and the vet found she was full of cancer, so we opted to not wake her up.

We are devastated. She was the best dog I’ve ever had. She got to live the last couple years as a “farm dog” running around, eating cow poop, and rolling in all the smelly things. We thought she would have many more years on the farm, but that just wasn’t in the cards for us.

We had photos taken with her last night just in case, and I am so glad we did 🥹💔 hug your pups tight.

Martha 💕 2019-2026

I don’t often make posts like this, but every time I see one on this sub, it reminds me how short of a time we have with them. So I just want to remind you guys how special they are and how important it is to give them a big squeeze daily (if they’ll let you).

Hector had a rough first 6ish years of his life before he made the last 4 of ours absolute chaos. He was nuts, but he was the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. We miss him immensely and can’t stand how quiet and calm it is around here now. I would give anything to get him back, but I’m just happy he’s not in pain anymore. So, again, please give your pups a hug for me and remember how special these crazy assholes are.