Calvin’s Journey
Calvin was born in 2011, the same year my husband died, but I didn’t meet Cal until 2014. Before I met him, his “job” was to be at my future husband’s side as he and his family transitioned through a post-divorce lifestyle, parent-child separation, and some very difficult experiences. To say these were some of our most challenging years in life cannot be overstated.
I met Calvin when my now-husband and I reunited and eventually married. That was ten years ago. We merged furniture, children, and pets into one household in 2015. What a mess that was! Remember the Brady Bunch? That was fiction.
Two of the kids were already adults and had moved on to early adulthood. Two of them visited us occasionally. Two of them lived with us full-time. We also combined our menagerie of three dogs and four cats into one living space. We have all learned a lot about how messy life can be.
Four years ago to the day, we moved into our fifth-wheel trailer and launched another life adventure, zigzagging across the United States. By this time, all the kids were grown and only two of our dogs and a cat remained (two other of our cats moved out with two of our kids).
These loyal pets have loved every mile of our adventures – the good ones and the bad ones. They adjusted to the changes and grew to adore the ever-changing scenery and smells. One of those pets was Calvin, and yesterday was the end of his journey with us. Calvin saw us through some of the worst and best of our life journeys. Yesterday evening, he went on to his next adventure. We share a faith of life everafter, so while he will rest forever in our hearts, we also know where he is for eternity. Ask me how I know…
Calvin Schmidt
December 26, 2011 – July 17, 2024
A perfect ball player, named after Cal Ripkin. A rescued puppy from a Bassett Hound mom and a mystery for a dad. The most handsome and smart dog we have ever known. Job well done. Go out and play ball!
Safe travels, and enjoy your messy life journey.
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
–A. A. Milne / Winnie the Pooh.
Note: For photo slideshow mobile viewing, swipe right; for tablet or desktop viewing, click on arrows
Jake and Calvin wishing they could ride in the truck bed 
But they always loved riding in the cab 
Ella poses with Cal 
Calvin’s fur family – Jake and Millie 
Taking a rest from their wrestling playtime 
Not-so-happy times after a skunk visit 
Jockeying for position 
Standing at attention 
Eager for a golf cart ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness 
Abby, Dad, Calvin, and Cape May 
Did you say “snack”? 
Stencil, Calvin, and Dad 
Nap time in the camper 
Lounging in what would be Calvin’s final “home” location in Loganville, PA 
“Do you need your seat, Mom?” 
I am tired, but still full of love 
His favorite spot is right between us 
Best friends 
Jake and Cal spooned at nap time 
My fav photo of the three brothers 
Let us help you exercise, Mom 
You have our undivided attention 
Is that bird food for us? 
A younger Lorne…and a younger Cal 
Say “cheese”! 
Why did he sit on the stairs like this? 
Let’s GOOOOOOO! 
Side-by-side campers 
Let’s keep hiking 
Sun god 
Ella was his beloved “extra” 
Waiting for Dad by the windowsill that he destroyed as a puppy 
Fun in every season 
He was my beach dog 
His final week – peacefully contemplating a life well lived. 
Calvin’s final ride in the truck this week
Crying tears of joy. I love Calvin’s response to your story. Death is only hard to those left behind.
Thanks, Momma, as always! There are so many pets over a lifetime, and each one leaves a special mark.
So sad to hear the news of Calvins passing. He was the best , sweetest boy! I will especially miss giving him his cookies when he came into MMVC and telling him how handsome that grey face is. He was very lucky to have you for his humans. Sending many hugs and prayers for your hearts.
Thank you, Karen. I appreciate you taking the time to hear about Cal’s wonderful impace on our lives.