Overlook’s Faraway Storm Clouds Gather

April 28, 2011 - May 23, 2025

Losing Stormy was unexpected. We knew there was a small mass on her liver, but the prognosis wasn’t dire. But, losing her so suddenly was not as heartbreaking as losing her while we were away. A phone call from the dog sitter, and a Face Time to understand what was going on, confirmed that Stormy had died sometime that morning after a good night and a hearty breakfast. Stormy was my dog, a gentle soul, and for 14 beautiful years, a source of unconditional love, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion.

Stormy was a Gavin x Sierra daughter and a Sloane granddaughter. If you know my dogs, you know how special this pedigree is. But it was her temperament, conformation and angelic face that made her truly special.

When she was a youngster, we called her ‘Crazy Ass Bitch’ because she was so full of life and never seemed to sleep. As she got older, she became a quieter dog except when it came time to eat (what a big mouth!). She wasn’t reactive or easily frightened; she loved every four and two legged creature and was at home on the grooming table and in the show ring until she (accidentally) became pregnant.

The unplanned pregnancy was my fault, but the breeding was one we had planned for the future. Stormy was a devoted mother, lovingly raising several litters of puppies and patiently adoring all the puppies that came along over the years.. Her daughter, Sage, is a clone of her mother in temperament, looks and the ability to tell time when she wants to eat! They were very close and always together, inside and outside. They slept together every night - always on my side of the bed. Navigating a path over the two of them at 3:00 am was frequently hazardous.

Stormy never asked for much. She wasn’t pushy when the other dogs were jockeying for attention. Somehow, she knew she had me. She could be stealth in her pursuit of my affection, she was so clever.​ Stormy was mine — my shadow, my comfort, my friend. Wherever I went, she was close behind, as if the world only made sense to her when we were together.

I wasn’t with her when she passed, and that grief still lingers. But I hold onto the truth I know deep down: she loved me with her whole heart, and she knew she was loved in return. Her life was full because it was full of us — the moments we shared, the bond we built, and the quiet comfort of just being together. Stormy left this world with a piece of my heart, but she also left a legacy of love that will never fade.

Upon hearing of Stormy’s death a close friend wrote: “One of my fondest memories of Stormy is a day when we took a walk at Pond Mt. and you brought Stormy with you. She walked the whole trail right by your side frequently looking up at you. She never left your side. That’s love. You were her world.