Deacon

Deacon was one of those truly exceptional dogs who leave an indelible mark on your heart. He came to me from Thunderstruck Kennels, and from the moment he arrived at just 8 weeks old, he never ceased to amaze me. His boundless energy and spirited nature made him a constant presence in my life.

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Just two weeks after bringing Deacon home, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, triple negative. Through one of the most challenging times in my life, Deacon kept me going. He was mischievous, always on the move—like a Malinois wrapped in the body of a Labrador. There was no off switch for him. I spent countless hours picking up his toys, walking, playing, and trying to keep up with his endless energy.

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But that relentless spirit was exactly what I needed. He gave me purpose, filled my days with activity and love, and became more than just a dog—he was my lifeline, keeping hope alive when I needed it most.

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Deacon was not only a faithful companion; he was also an extraordinary working dog. He passed every certification with ease, excelling with both NESDCA and WDDO as a canine bed bug detection dog, and later as a Rodent Detection dog. Not every dog can dual certify, but Deacon clearly understood his job. Whether finding a single bug on a mattress or locating a rodent nest in pallets within a million-square-foot warehouse, Deacon lived to use his nose and contribute to the team.

 

In his last days, Deacon was on a week-long route doing what he loved—searching for bed bugs—when he suddenly stopped eating. The devastating news was that Deacon had advanced lymphoma. We did everything we could to save him. Around the same time, I received my five-year cancer-free milestone, but shortly after, we lost Deacon. He was only five years old. Deacon passed with everyone who loved him by his side.