Atlas, the Dog

Our dog, Atlas, passed away on December 21st, 2024. He played a large role in my life as I developed from a stupid 24 year old to an equally stupid 36 year old, and this is the story of his life.

Beginning in Danbury

In August 2012, I graduated from Northeastern's MBA program and accepted a role at IBM in Somers, NY, moving to Danbury, CT. Feeling isolated in this bedroom community, I decided to get a dog for companionship and purpose. After researching breeds, I selected a Bullmastiff and found a breeder in New Hampshire. Immediately, he shoved his face into my arm in order to sleep more. I told the breeder right there that I'd take him.

Early Years: Apartment Living

At 12 weeks old, Atlas moved into my small apartment. The puppy initially cried at night but eventually settled in. We later moved to Boston with a girlfriend, then back to Maine alone when Atlas was around one year old. He went where I went (except for the gym). Atlas was incredibly loyal during a difficult breakup.

The Naples Years

After saving for a down payment, I purchased a home in Naples, Maine with acres of land and forest access. Atlas thrived with his wireless fence and freedom to roam. I built a garage gym, and the two of us became truly inseparable. During this period, Atlas underwent surgery to remove a benign mast cell tumor.

Move to Portland

After two years in Naples, I sold the house and bought a condo in Portland. Atlas adapted to city life, enjoying nearby parks and making friends like our neighbor Olivia. Most significantly, Atlas met Julia (my now wife) in 2018. He loved Julia immediately.

Washington, D.C. Era

Nine months after meeting Julia, Atlas and I moved to DC where she lived. He enjoyed his neighborhood, people-watching from windows, and regular dog walkers. Later, we moved to a townhouse in Arlington during the 2020 pandemic, where Atlas protected Julia from an aggressive dog that got away from its owner.

Herndon, Virginia

In late 2020, we purchased a house in Herndon with a fenced yard. Atlas thrived here, rotating between couches and sleeping in a tight ball at the top of the bed in between the pillows. However, I noticed concerning symptoms: lethargy, excessive water consumption, and changed eating habits.

Health Struggles

Atlas was diagnosed with pituitary Cushing's Disease. Fuck Cushing Disease. Cushing is the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal gland. The condition, caused by an inoperable pituitary tumor, proved difficult to manage with trilostane medication, which caused significant weight loss.

Return to Portland and Final Days

In mid-2024, we returned to Portland. A specialist vet recommended stopping trilostane, and Atlas regained weight. However, in October 2024, he unexpectedly went blind. Trilostane was restarted in December when Cushing symptoms returned. On December 20th, Atlas suffered a seizure-like episode. After consulting with the vet about quality of life, we made the difficult decision on December 21st.

It was a privilege to know him, and a privilege to be there for him when he needed us the most. Atlas taught us about loving and caring for other beings, about patience, about forgiveness, and about kindness.

What was I listening to when writing this? Sturgill Simpson - Sam