Today would have been our sweet Nutmeg’s 10th birthday, and as I sit down to write this, I can’t help but get teary-eyed thinking about the pure joy she brought to our lives. Nutmeg wasn’t just a dog—she was the heart and soul of our home, and her absence leaves a void that’s impossible to fill.
Every morning felt like Christmas with Nutmeg. She’d be there, wagging her tail with that goofy smile, ready to make the day brighter. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious. Whether it was playing ball for hours on end or snuggling up with Sawyer when he lost his sight, Nutmeg gave everything she had to those she loved.
When Henry joined our family a year and a half ago, Nutmeg was beside herself with happiness. Finally, she had someone who shared her love for toys and tug-of-war. They would play tugsies for hours, a whirlwind of joy and energy. And oh, how she loved to wait on top of the couch, eagerly watching for Grandma or Auntie Erin to pull into the driveway.
Nutmeg had her quirks, too—she was a true carnivore, turning her nose up at any and all fruits and veggies. And those big Amish hats? They were just too much for her to handle! You could never have a candle near her because she was afraid of all blowing out of candles. Her favorite place to fall asleep was above my head on my pillow where she would let out a deep sigh of contentment. But it was those little things that made her uniquely Nutmeg.
Losing her was sudden and devastating—no warning, just a heartbreaking absence. She had come through her ACL surgery like a champ, swimming and running with all the energy we loved so much. She was the fastest dog we ever had, and when she ran off-leash, she was a blur of joy, always coming back to us with that unforgettable smile.
Nutmeg was more than just a companion; she was a caretaker. When I was sick, she never left my side, and she watched over everyone in our home with the loving vigilance of a true dog mom.
We waited over a month before bringing a new pup, Marigold, into our lives, and every day she surprises me with glimpses of Nutmeg—like laying on top of the couch or grabbing my hand to welcome me home. It’s as if Nutmeg is still watching over us, guiding Marigold to carry on her legacy.
In Nutmeg’s honor, we spread her ashes in a special garden filled with yellow flowers—because she was yellow, of course, but also because she brought so much happiness and sunshine into our lives. We also planted a golden willow tree and a ginkgo biloba tree, where her ashes now rest.
So, while I still cry when I think of Nutmeg, I’m also filled with gratitude that she was part of our lives. Remembering her brings a smile to my face, even through the tears.
Happy 10th birthday, Meggy BooBoo. We love you and miss you every day, but we know you’re still with us in so many ways.
Nutmeg Kaye – 2014-2024