Farewell, Raptor

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I report the passing of Raptor, aka Rusty Rose Epoch Clever Girl, on the morning of 11/6/25 due to complications of Lyme Disease.

Raptor was born Cynder. She was known to her loved ones later on as "the feral chaos noodle." She was the sweetest, smallest girl in the Spyro x Nago litter. I almost kept her; instead I sent her to a wonderful new home with Meghan. I remember delivering her to Meghan at the airport and bawling my eyes out. I loved her more than words and missed her horribly the minute I walked away.

But Meghan was the best of puppy parents, taking the soft quiet puppy and turning her into a star.

Her career was over almost before it began, but she was a bright light who was well on her way to being a stellar sport dog in disc, flyball, FASTCat and Agility.

I followed her progress religiously and loved her from afar.

The news of her death has shaken me to my core, and I cannot imagine what Meghan is going through.

She was a beautiful and very loved little girl.

I will never forget holding her tiny little body in my hands as she breathed her first breaths. No one warns you how badly it hurts to lose the first of your bred-by pups. I feel empty and numb and have no words to express my grief.

My love and energy goes out to Meghan and my everlasting thanks for her giving Raptor the very best home for her short life.

Fly high, little red pup. We love you.

Velociraptor

5/2/23-11/6/25