We shared the news on Instagram Stories last week, but we wanted to post here too because Burger was such a huge part of our lives and this blog. Last Monday our sweet chihuahua, Burger, passed away at the age of 15. He lived a long, wonderful life and gave us so many joyful years, but the house feels unbearably quiet without him.

We brought Burger home when we were 24—before marriage, before the blog, before kids—so he was with us through nearly every milestone. He was there for the small moments and the big ones, and that steady presence shaped so many memories.

Burger was such a happy little dog—always ready with a ridiculous look or a silly habit that made us laugh. He passed peacefully in his sleep, which we are grateful for. Six years ago he was diagnosed with a severe heart murmur, and he exceeded every expectation after that diagnosis, giving us extra years that felt like a gift.

His decline was sudden and without much warning. He was here on Monday morning and gone by early afternoon. It’s difficult to explain how disorienting that felt—one moment completely ordinary, the next heartbreakingly final. We would give anything for one more snuggle, one more tiny rescue when he got something silly stuck on his nose.

He had the best personality—so expressive and often hilarious. He tolerated very few costumes and made it abundantly clear how he felt about holiday outfits. Still, those photos are some of our favorites because they show his character shining through.

Who could forget his “foot phone” pose or the many times he fell asleep like a baby in our arms? We even took him on our honeymoon to Alaska—true to form, he was along for every adventure. Those trips and traditions are treasures we’ll always keep.

We celebrated every birthday and made the most of each year. Even though he was small, Burger filled the whole house. He had a way of taking up space in our hearts and routines—lounging on the couch, following crumbs like a devoted little vacuum, and always being nearby during family time.

Every vet who met him fell for him. The staff who helped us on his last day were incredibly kind and told us Burger had been a favorite around the office. Hearing that comforted us—it reminded us that he was loved by so many besides our family.

We miss him terribly. The ache is raw now, but we know grief will ease with time and memory. He dug into all our hearts in a way that only a true companion can, and that bond will stay with us forever.

We’re thankful for every last moment—every ridiculous photo, every small tradition. Burger loved our Florida spring break pool floats and seemed to believe that retirement by a pool was his destiny. He floated happily with John in the rental pool year after year, and those sunny afternoons became part of our family lore.

Whether perched on a float or sunning himself on the deck, Burger loved warmth and comfort. He even had his favorite ways of being held—especially by me, on the front porch, where he would curl up and doze like a content baby.

He was everything we could have asked for in a dog: sweet, silly, stubborn, and endlessly loving. Our children have known no other companion, and Burger was there to greet every meal, every nap, every bedtime. He was part of our family rhythm, a steady and joyful presence.

We know this post moves all over the place—our emotions are too. We’re grieving and grateful at once. He was a founding member of our little family and his absence is a deep loss. Thank you for loving him through the screen for so many years and for the kind messages we’ve received. Your sympathy means the world to us.

We’re going to plant a tree in a spot he loved to sniff and mark. It feels like the right way to honor him—a small living tribute in a place that will always remind us of Burger. We will love you forever, little guy. Thank you for everything.

Look at that happy face—always ready for crumbs and always ready to make us smile. Rest easy, Burger. You were simply the best.