Millie (Big Papa, Milfred, Mr. Mills)

2012 - 2026

On Thursday March 6th, surrounded by his family at our home, Millie passed away peacefully in our arms.

It was a honour of our lifetime to be loved by Millie. He came into our life in 2014, a rescued puppy mill dog from Arkansas with an amputated front paw and from the moment he entered our lives he was nothing but pure joy. His patience, kindness and gentle spirit is what he personified on a daily basis.

As a 1.5 year old puppy, he became of the three musketeers. He fit in so seamlessly with Bryson and Dolly and he was the best younger sibling they could ask for. He brought his playfulness out in them in the later parts of their lives. After their deaths in 2021 and 2023, he became a foster dogs dream, helping to provide a safe and calm landing space for dogs while they found their new forever homes.

In 2024 when we least expected it, we decided to adopt Queenie an 8 week old Maltese with a spitfire personality. We weren’t sure at his age of 11 how he would take to it, but after a transition period of chaos and puppy training (which he helped tremendously in), their time together as a dynamic duo was a beautiful sight to watch. The roles had been reversed and Queenie brought out his playful and youthful energy as he tried to keep up with her Maltese shenanigans.

Millie was an unofficial therapy dog as he was able to go to his mom’s classrooms for the past 12 years. It was a student’s joy to receive Millie kisses, to feed him a snack and to walk him on a leash. Earning time to have him sit in their laps while they worked was a reward they strived for. He could melt even the most challenging of students by his presence and touch alone. He impacted thousands of student lives and for that we are grateful.

Mr Mills, we are so grateful to have had the last 12 years with you. Your kisses brought us calm. We love that you found the most uncomfortable spots on the jagged rocks at our house instead of grass and the various soil patches at grandma’s. A walk through the Bois D’esprit trails or at St Vital Park in all of the seasons are some of our favourite memories. You loved hopping around Birds Hill or being in your dog stroller while we rolllerbladed around. We will always remember you in the bright summer light enjoying watermelon.

To our favourite companion, thank you for letting us be your guardians here on Earth. Say hi to Bryson and Dolly for us and keep sending us your good energy and love from wherever you are now. We miss and love you!!