A Good Old Boy

Goodbye Sweet Guinness

Before my daughter and son-in-law, Alyssa and Sean, got married, they adopted a bunny named Magner—and not long after, a black lab puppy with the most mischievous face and a little scruff of fur on his nose. They named him Guinness.

Yes, both pets were named after alcohol, and yes, they got along famously. An unlikely pair: a black lab and a bunny, coexisting in harmony—although Magner ruled the roost.

Guinness wanted to play with Magner constantly, but when Magner had enough, he’d swat him with his little paw—-DONE!

Guinness was my first “grand-pup,”—he was sweet, snuggly, and completely irresistible. I had him for many overnights while the kids were away, and wouldn’t you know it, more than once we ended up at the vet because Guinness had eaten something… questionable. He had a real talent for finding “weird” things to ingest.

He wasn’t great on a leash—pulling was kind of his thing and he had a mind of his own. So when Alyssa and Sean got married and my husband walked down the aisle with Guinness, he took that opportunity to say hello to just about everyone along the way. Richard kept him focused with a pocket-full of treats. Labs are super food driven!

He was goofy, with not a mean bone in his body—and yes, a bit needy (okay, very needy). But he was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. And he was so much more than just a lovable dog.

When Alyssa struggled with depression, Guinness was there—always by her side, intuitively sensing what she needed. He would snuggle close, offering comfort without ever being asked. Alyssa credits him with saving her life during some of her darkest moments. He was special and they were best buds.

When Penny was born it was love at first sight, although he made sure that he got his share of snuggles too.

The average lifespan of a black lab is 10–12 years. Fourteen is considered a long life. Guinness lived to be 15. Last week, he passed peacefully at home from cancer with a hospice vet, his head nestled against Alyssa’s, eating dried salmon until he could chew no longer. He left this world the way he lived in it—surrounded by love and food.

Saying goodbye to a pet is heartbreaking. They aren’t “just animals.” They are family. They witness our lives, our joy, our pain, and they love us through it all—unconditionally. Guinness did that beautifully, and he will forever remain on our hearts.

We will miss you terribly Guinness, Burrito, Rito, Rite-Frite Kevlahan—yeses, he had many nicknames.

You were a good old boy.