Our baby, Grimace, lost his battle with a fungus that had gotten into his brain on March 9, 2010. He fought as hard as he could, but his brain swelled up too much for his little body. He was so brave, and fought so hard. We could not be more proud of you and the fight you put up, Grimace. We know you fought as hard as you could, baby.

Grimace touched the lives of everyone he met, and was constantly surrounded with love. Those big brown eyes could crack even the most stoic of people. He was a little star at daycare and the pet food store. When we would take him on walks (he was often in his doggie stroller to protect him from the heat), people would always take note of him and how handsome he was. He had the most proud, jaunty walk I’ve ever seen. I don’t know who is going to absorb all that sunshine he used to love to lay in. He was so patient, loving, and kind, and we trusted him in every situation. He was daddy’s little co-pilot every morning on the way to and from doggie daycare. The Jolly Ball was his favorite toy, and despite it being as big as he was, he could pick it up and run with it. He also loved a good chew, and never ever chewed anything he wasn’t supposed to. We always joked that his favorite foods were pills (because they meant he got a Peanut Butter Kong) and goo (he loved yogurt and the afore-mentioned Kong). He was perfect.

Known by many names, including: King Moogy Moogy, Monkey, Grimmy, Grim, Pumpkin, Muffin, Germish-Mermish, Lumpy, and Baby Bean, Grimace won over everyone. Even the nurse operating his oxygen bag right at the very end said that the staff had really loved him and thought he was beautiful, even though they had only spent a short amount of time with him. He was a true French Bulldog, proud, strong, and beautiful.

Grimace, my joy, my angel. My heart and soul are broken, and I do not know how we will find the strength to move forward without you. I cannot believe you are gone. You are irreplaceable, Grimace. I hope you know that. We are so happy that you chose to let us be your parents, and that we got to give you the best life we possibly could. Thank you for spending your all too-short two and a half years with us.

Wherever you are, my little bean, we know you are no longer in pain. Make lots of friends and have fun until we can join you, angel. This is not goodbye, only see you later. Mommy and Daddy love you, honey, and we will always love you. We are proud of you for fighting so hard to stay with us, and we know you had to go. We will miss you forever.

Love always,

Mommy & Daddy