Today marks the anniversary of the day when I lost a piece of my heart. It has been 1 year since my beloved dog, Twinkie passed away. Here is a celebration of her life and a tribute to our special moments outdoors….

On Friday March 13, 2020, Twinkie passed away. She was 10 years old. 

Twinkie and Buttercup came into my life in 2010, when they were only a few months old. The two sisters looked alike – tanned and long-haired. I met them at my dad’s home, where they were amongst a litter of irresistible Chihuahua mutts, some more fluffier than others.   

I was beyond elated to bring home two puppies squealing in a box, looking at me with their beaming little eyes. I remember being thankful that the sisters had each other’s company, but I knew that it would mean “double the trouble.” 

Twins Buttercup (L) and Twinkie (R) in a hammock, Mount Akawie area, San Gabriel Mountains

Twinkie at Kelso Dunes, Mojave Desert. December 2012

Twinks was a curious pup with inexhaustible vitality. When roaming the backyard, she loved intensely watching the birds near the feeder, captivated with a quiet patience. She knew the call of a ground squirrel, so when she heard it from inside, she’d perk her ears, widen her eyes, tilt her head, and stand on her hind legs to look at it from the bedroom window.

Twinkie enjoyed the fresh mountain air and the large expanse of wilderness as much as we did. She loved to frolic in the woods endlessly, and although she had a tiny frame, she was swift and agile in her movements.

I will never forget the experience of camping atop Mount Pacifico and waking up to a spectacular sunrise and Twinkie ready to run wild from the tent. Both pups loved desert road trips to wander in spring blooms. I watched Twinkie discover snow and pounce on it as a fox would. 

Twinkie frolicking in Big Tujunga, Feb 2015

Twinkie and Buttercup at Fall Creek Falls, Big Tujunga 2015

Cutie at Fall Creek

Strong pup at Mt. Lukens via Stone Canyon, 2015

Twinkie, Buttercup and Jeremy at the Bell Hartman Mine cabin, 2015

Twinkie in disguise of her prey

Twinkie camping at Pacifico Mountain

Spectacular sunset on Pacifico Mountain, Twinkie enjoying the wilderness

Spring 2019 in full bloom

Exploring the snow, must keep warm! San Gabriel Mountains

A predatory dog took Twinkie’s life away. I only got to say goodbye after she was already gone. I wept with Twinkie in my arms and gently stroked her with final gestures of love. I kissed her forehead and told her that I loved her. 

Over ten years, Twinkie was an anchor in my life. She was fiercely loyal and the bearer of unconditional forgiveness, giving me second chances when it felt like the world had given up on me. She allowed me to cry into her fur many times. By living everyday and every moment with all of her heart she helped me be a better human being. 

There is no comparison for a dog’s unconditional love. Dogs bear witness to us. They carry all of our secrets and they know us, in some ways, more deeply than we know ourselves. 

I miss everything about her: her soft fur, her dark beady eyes, her smelly breath, her dainty paws, her strong bark, and the way she would look at me with total trust and love in her eyes. 

Twinkie, you will always have a place in my heart and, a year, two or even eternity won’t see your memory fade. I love you.

Twinkie reveling in the blooms, Spring 2019