Scout

I wish people were like dogs. Genuine. No agenda. Present in every single moment. Unabashedly affectionate. Able to know someone’s worth immediately and act accordingly. Joyful and encouraging of joy in those around them. Simple needs, few demands. Always up for a good time and there in the bad times. Loyal without question.

My sweet girl, Scout, a 14-year-old terrier-mix was put to rest last week, after illness took hold on the May long weekend. Nobody will ever love me like Scout, and since dogs don’t get obituaries, I’m writing one for her.

Scout (Oct. 2012–May 2026) was an uncompromising force of loving nature with a healthy dose of anxiety and a generous spirit of humour, affection and enthusiasm for life from the moment she joined her forever family. 

Born in Mapleton, Ontario, she had the benefit of mixed genetics that probably shouldn’t have mixed logistically, yet this made her a smart, tenacious soul, with a great disposition, though her tiny stature ensured she had a Napoleon-complex. Afraid of loud noises like garbage trucks, motorcycles, firecrackers and thunderstorms, she was thus unafraid of the things she should have been, like coyotes, cows and hungry eagles gathered overhead during her two years of being a bonafide country dog, a right of passage she wished for every canine – to be free of fences, traffic and boundaries. She was blissfully unaware of the dangers of the real wild world and thus, survived it all.

She will be fondly remembered for learning to play hockey on the backyard rink, putting her front paws on the puck and pushing it around the frozen pad, shivering (she refused doggie outerwear) but determined as ever to be part of the action. Despite never actually scoring she also didn’t give up the puck without a fight, yet never received a delay of game penalty because who doesn’t love a puck hog dog? 

She loved baths and grooming sessions by her human dad, the Carpenter. She watched her human siblings grow up, mischievously stealing their socks if their screen time distracted them from adoring her. Her high-pitched barks and tail wags were of an enthusiasm that almost sent her wee body into a tail spin of excitement. This was every time her people walked in the door.

Scout is survived by her feline sister Heidi, Tiki the cockatiel, and the rabbits Sir Andrew Lloyd Hopper and Dear Evan Hansen. We believe in spirit she is reunited with her first cat friend, Mon Chat. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of her grandparents.

Scout is forever bonded to her human mom and best friend, Kelly. Being absolutely present at all times with Kelly, including awkward bathroom moments for them both, theirs was a friendship of mutual respect and a love that is effortless and soul enriching. True love. Not a single column was written without Scout by her side on her cozy bed.

We would like to thank Dr. Linda and Dr. Natalie and their wonderful team for 14 years in Scout’s health journey right to the end, and for helping Scout leave this life with grace, dignity and compassion. Scout deserves peace. In lieu of condolences, please consider supporting a local animal shelter of your choosing. 

Rest easy, Scout. 

Forever loved. Woof.