In loving memory of Hazel

I don't even know where to start, as I could literally write a book about how Hazel saved me.

She gave me purpose. She gave me a reason to wake up every single day for 11 years. She was truly the best dog, my best friend, my soul mutt, the love of my life, my everything. Every decision I've made in this life, every path I've taken, was all to give her a better life. But in the end, it was her who gave me a better life.

In 2014, I made a decision that changed everything. I adopted Hazel from a shelter in my hometown in Missouri. I was 19, she was about a year old, and honestly, as a broke college student, I had no business adopting a dog. But Hazel didn't just become a pet; she became my best friend for 11 years.

Moving around frequently growing up meant constantly saying goodbye to friends. Hazel became my one constant. She traveled with me through life, living in Missouri, Tennessee, and Indiana. She was by my side through every milestone: every smile, every tear, every heartbreak, and every laugh. She was home.

Four years ago, as her beautiful face started turning grey, I began to think about what the end would look like. It was that love, and the desire to honor the bond we share with our pets, that inspired The Heavenly Hound.

I worked tirelessly on this business for 3 years, finally opening in September 2024. This was a meaningful coincidence, as Hazel was adopted in September 2014. This business exists entirely because of her and my love for animals. It was only fitting that we include her in our logo. Once the inspiration, she is now, truly, The Heavenly Hound.

The photo in the logo is the very first one I ever took of her on September 2nd, 2014. She was all alone in the shelter, yet she immediately claimed me as her person. She jumped up on my legs and said, "Take me home, Mom."

For the next 11 years, until she got sick in November 2025, she greeted me at the door every single day. That soft pitter-patter of her paws and the happy hop onto my legs earned her the nickname "Happy Feet." She was always so happy to see me. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully at home surrounded with so much love on November 18th, 2025. Rest easy, my dear best friend, Hazel. You will be so missed. You are the very best part of me.