Milton Smith: 2006 -2020

~ Jenny

Milton died yesterday after a short but terrible illness.

Milton was joy made flesh, an inspiration for me every day. A master escape artist, he was known to the neighborhood as Houdini, digging through the fence frequently to spread happiness wherever he went. He escaped one day and I found him licking my next door neighbor’s face and making him laugh while he was under his car trying to fix something. He escaped another time and I found him in the arms of another neighbor’s plumber, also getting his face washed, who said, “Aw, I knew he had to belong to somebody,” before he reluctantly gave him back to me. Visitors to my house would often leave with “Thank you for a wonderful time, and I’ll be taking Milton with me.” Life was Milton’s oyster to open and every day was an adventure. A scourge to cats, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and bears, he was also a master burrower and cuddler who made me laugh every day.

He is survived by his sisters, Veronica and Mona, and his godmother, Krissie Ohlrogge, who was the worst of his attempted dognappers. And me, although I don’t know how I’m going to make it without him.

Milton Smith: The Best Dog Ever.

99 thoughts on “Milton Smith: 2006 -2020”

  1. Jenny, I’m so sorry to hear about Milton’s passing. I know he will be deeply missed, and much loved.

  2. Omigosh. I am so sad for you all! The only thing I have to send are my best heartfelt wishes, and the total indifference of my cat Mr. Fluffypants, who has never approved of dogs, and wants you to know he never will.

    Dogs are so giving of their love and connection and cheerfulness, but I think it makes it so much harder to lose them because of that. Still, he was very lucky to have chanced into living with such a committed dachshund lover as you. I hope your recovery goes well — Mona and Veronica will be needing you more than ever as they try to figure out what happened to the family.

  4. I’m so sorry Jenny. He was a beautiful dog. What wonderful memories. Sending you a virtual hug. Take care.

  9. My wiener dog Shiloh, also a champion snuggler, and I send heartfelt condolences.

  10. What a very, very Good Boy. He was lucky to be so thoroughly and unmistakably loved, to be embraced for his whole self, and to have gotten to go on so many adventures and meet (and kiss) so many interesting people. You gave Milton the best life, and it sounds like he loved you back with his whole tiny being.

  11. I’m so sorry to hear this. As devastating as his loss is, I hope the memory of the happiness he brought to you and all around outweighs by multiples the sorrow of his passing.

  14. I am so sorry for your devastating loss. My thoughts are with you and Veronica and Mona.

  16. Jenny, I’m so sorry for your loss. Grief always stabs hardest with the sudden unexpected death of an immediate family member. I join the legion of Arghers giving you a virtual hug, and hope someone within your bubble can give you a real hug today.

    Thank you for sharing your loving eulogy about Milton. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed following Milton’s escapades through your posts, after first ‘meeting’ him in Dogs and Goddesses. What a wonderful and joyful companion for 14 years of your life’s journey.

  18. Ah, I’m so sorry. When I saw the title I was afraid it was going to be something like this… and on top of {{gestures wildly}} the rest of 2020, into the bargain.

    There’s no gentle way to lose a pet, especially the best doggo ever.

  19. Dogbuddies, they are with us for such a short time but give us many happy memories. Truly sorry

  20. Aww, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish that all of our collective empathy for your grief could lessen it, though I know it can’t.

  22. I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re going through pet devastation here, too — one dog died in June, another had surgery last week, now diagnosed with cancer, and this week one of the cats diagnosed with cancer, too — and it is so damn hard. When they’re hurting and they trust you to fix it and there’s nothing you can do… I hope the hole heals with time. Yesterday was the anniversary of my mom’s death and I was talking to a friend about life-after-death and I told her that I was perfectly fine with just disintegrating upon my own death. Gone forever, no longer in existence, sounds great to me. And then about ten minutes later, I said, “Wait. I do actually wish I could see Bartleby again.” (My dog, gone for over two years now, and I still do miss him.)

  23. Ah, I’m so sorry. For a person living alone, especially this year, our pets are a huge part of our life and their absence is devastating. Take care of you. ♡♡♡

  24. Stories about and pictures of him made us smile too, so he made the world a better place beyond his backyard.

  26. Everyone has already said all I wanted to say, some better than I could. So I just clicked on all the hearts. Look after Virginia and Mona, give them lots of love from all of us.

  30. I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to lose our fur babies. He knew you loved him and he had the best doggie life ever. Sending you love, hugs, and empathy. I’m sure his sisters miss him too.

  31. Ahhh, Milton. You made your escape to go wash the faces of angels.

    Sympathies, Jenny. No words.

  35. I am so sorry! It’s so hard to lose our fur kids; it’s like losing a piece of our heart. As others here have said-sending virtual hugs to you and to Milton’s fur sisters. ❤️

  38. I am so very sorry. Thank you for sharing Milton with us all these years. Love and gentle hugs for you and all your furbabies and godmother Krissie, too.

  39. Oh, no. I am so, so sorry. You brought him much joy and love, too, and enabled him to share his. Hugs.

  40. What a lovely summation of a life well lived. May your memories of Milton bring you comfort in what is a heart wrenching time.

  45. I’m so sorry, Jenny. I feel like I’ve gotten to know Milton over the years, and he definitely sounds like he was one in a million. A Very Good Dog, indeed.

    I’m sorry for the terrible illness and for the loss at the end. Happy you had him for as long as you did. Sending virtual hugs.

    2020 can bite me.

  52. So sorry for your loss. Virtual hugs to you and vvirtual tummy rubs to Veronica and Mona.

  54. Oh, Jenny, this is so sad. I’m sorry for your loss. Milton was a wonderful boy. May he rest in peace in Puppy Heaven.

  56. So profoundly sorry for your loss. I’ve loved every photo and story. Thank you for sharing your Very Good Dog.

    1. As I said I am sorry for Milton’s loss but I am not sure about a world run by dogs. Does that mean I can pee on my neighbor’s lawn, lick strangers across the face, stick my nose in the crouch of any body I want to and steal food from wherever I find it? Although I do realize you really meant how sweet and accepting some dogs are. (I just could not resist commenting on their other traits).

  60. I am so sorry for your loss! I’m trying hard not to cry myself. Even though I never met Milton, you have shared him with us through the blog and we will miss him too.

  61. Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry to hear Milton has passed. What a lovely little dog. Much love to you.

  62. Jenny, I am so sorry. Milton was an icon made into beautiful eyes and silky fur. I’ve loved hearing stories about him and seeing his cameos. He was a happy, loved, dog.

  63. Condolences Jenny. You shared Milton with all of us and we are grateful. He was the best of dogs and he will be missed. Hugs to you and Veronica and Mona.

  69. Oh, Jenny. This is such sad news. I can’t believe I’m sitting here shedding tears over a dog I never met. But we did know him, through your words and pictures over the years. There was something noble about Milton. He’ll be missed.

    All the empty spaces they leave behind are heartbreaking. Sending fierce strong hugs of comfort. I’m sorry for your loss and hope the memories will become a blessing.

  72. Sympathies. So much

    If you want to talk about him or post pictures or there’s anything internet friends and acquaintances can do please let us.

  73. My heart goes out to you. I hope you can find comfort and peace in the memories and the joy he left you.

  74. I’m so sorry. He was beautiful and sounds like such a great personality. I’ve loved seeing your dog photos over the years and he’s always looked like an adventurer who loved life.

  79. Losing a fur friend is so very hard, and in a very hard year. I will be
    thinking of you, wishing you peace.

  83. I will miss Milton. I’m glad you included him in Dogs and Goddesses and that you have often told us about what he’s been up to. He has sounded far less energetic recently than in the past. My mom chose older dachsunds when she finally had to have a dog (she was a farm girl). They were great characters. Favia, Lucia, and Tammy. I haven’t thought of them in years. They came to us consecutively — now, listed together they sound like two muses and a bimbo.

  84. I grieve with you for Milton, the Milton I came to know and love through your tales. I grieve for you grieving Milton the lovey dog. Such a horribly sad time when they leave. I hope you find refuge in your memories of the joy he took in life, and in you.

  86. Oh babe. I am so, so sorry. Thank you so much for sharing him with us over the years. All love to you.

  87. I too am a Jenny. (Jennifer being my real first name). A virtual hug to you about Milton. He was a handsome boy. I have a beast-pug who makes me laugh every day. I loved reading ‘Agnes and the Hitman’ by the way.

  88. It sounds like he lived a life well lived. My condolences to you and the rest of his family.

  89. Oh my. Here I am late again. Jenny, you always have had such kind words when my dogs have left me, I wish I had something that could ease the pain. My heart is hurting in sympathy with you. I still feel Moose’s fur under my fingers after six months.

    You can him a wonderful life and made him immortal with your words and I’m sorry he’s gone.

  90. My sympathies. Milton and all your other dogs are so real to me that I mourn with you.

  91. I’m so sorry Jenny. He was a very very good boy and I always loved reading about his life. It sucks that they don’t live long enough.

  93. Oh, Jenny, so very sorry to hear about Milton’s passing. I hope you find comfort in cuddling Mona and Veronica and in the warm memories of Milton. <>

    And sorry I’ve been sorta MIA–life is getting away from me and I hate that. I miss all of you here and I am going to endeavor to be a better Argh participant because I do love the conversations here.

  94. Oh, Jenny, I’m so sorry. He was indeed a Very Good Dog, and I have so enjoyed his adventures over the years. As many others have said, thank you for sharing him with us. Sending you big hugs.

  96. Dammit. Milton was supposed to go on forever. He had that kind of spirit. I still remember the wonderful cuddles I got when I visited. He romps forever in my memory; sending you hugs.

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