Brady Souza

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our sweet companion, Brady, at the age of 18.5, surrounded by his devoted family in the tender comfort of his home—he was the heartbeat of our lives and a truly gentle, intelligent dog who brought immeasurable joy to our every day.

Brady was the best big brother to the boys. His name was one of their very first words. From the time they were babies all the way through their teenage years, he was constantly patient and gentle with them. He was so bright that he could identify his toys and would bring over the exact one we asked for. He took treats from your fingers so gently and precisely, you barely felt his mouth.

As a younger dog, he loved going for car rides, sticking his head out the window with his long floppy ears ready to take flight. All you had to do was ask, "Brady, do you want to go for a..." and he would come racing from whichever room he was in with his head tilted, eagerly waiting for that next word, before nearly flipping over himself as he raced toward the door in pure excitement.

A total party animal, Brady loved cookouts, football watch parties, and Christmas, soaking up all the attention and happily accepting every piece of food passed his way. No one could resist those big, bright brown eyes. Every year, we threw him his own birthday party complete with party hats and cake. He would watch and wait so patiently for us to finish singing "Happy Birthday" before tearing into his wrapped gifts. He loved unwrapping gifts.

In his senior years, Brady cherished his warm, sunny spot by the sliding door, being wrapped in a warm blanket or snuggled close to us in one of his many winter sweaters—especially his favorite, which proudly read "Favorite Child." Mysteriously, he also LOVED spending time in the laundry room. But mostly, he cherished his time with us whether it was playing video games on the couch with Evan, being pushed like the King of the Neighborhood in his stroller by Austen, helping Dad with yardwork outside, or being pampered by Mom with gourmet home cooked meals and gentle massages to soothe his aching joints on those many sleepless nights.

Throughout his long life, he walked beside us through every happy milestone and brought comfort to every disappointing heartache - and he loved us unconditionally through it all. He was always such a good boy. He was our little angel on earth, and we miss him so much. He continues to be loved beyond measure. He leaves behind his loving family: Monica, Mark, Austen, and Evan. He will forever live on in our hearts and in the quiet corners of the home he filled with so much love. Rest peacefully, my sweet boy ...until we meet again.