Olive Rowekamp

In Loving Memory of Our Very Best Girl 

Our perfect little Olive passed away on May 11th, at the age of 15. She leaves behind a deafening silence and an immeasurable void in the hearts of her mom and dad, her family, and all those who came to know and love her. 

Olive was more than a companion, especially to her mom. She was light in the darkness, calm in the storm, and the steady heartbeat that carried her mom through life’s most difficult moments. For many years, Olive moved beside her mom with a quiet understanding and the sweetest, most reassuring puppy kisses; just the two of them. Their connection was deep, rare, and unshakable. 

In the last year of her life, Olive welcomed another very important person into her heart: her mom’s boyfriend. Their bond was immediate, and he quickly became her adoring dad. His love for her was immense, and she returned it, wholeheartedly. 

Olive was always more like a tiny person than a typical dog, and she knew it. She was very people-oriented and happiest when curled up in bed “watching her stories” with her mom or snuggled between her mom and dad during movie nights. Dainty and particular, she was an indoor girl who delighted in air-conditioned car rides, playing at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, and trips to the craft store. More than anything, though, she simply wanted to be with the people she loved most. 

Truly, to know Olive was to love her. She was a gentle, knowing soul who connected with people in a way that felt almost human. She was treasured not only by her parents, but by a wide circle of family and friends who are also mourning her loss. She was such a special girl who, with very little effort, could soften a difficult day, warm any chill with a wild curly tail wag, and make even the simplest moment feel joyful. 

In her later years, Olive faced many challenges with quiet strength after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She fought bravely, gifting her family more than two extra years of cherished time with her. Even so, no amount of time could ever have felt like enough. 

Though the grief left in her absence is profound, it is accompanied by deep gratitude; gratitude for every moment, every memory, and every ounce of unconditional love she gave so freely. 

Run free, beautiful girl. You were, and forever remain, so deeply loved. You will be missed for the rest of our lives. 

Until we meet again, littlest one…