Luke wasn’t just a dog; he was our family. A steadfast companion, a healer of hearts, and a guardian of joy and hope. His story is one of unconditional love and unwavering loyalty, woven deeply into the fabric of our family’s life. For over 15 years, Luke touched every corner of our lives, leaving behind a legacy of love and a heart-shaped hole that will never quite heal. This is his story—a celebration of the adventures, love, and connection that made him the incredible being we knew as Luke Dogwalker.

A Legacy of Love, Born in the Mountains

Nana had a boundless love for every dog, and cat, who graced her life, each leaving a unique paw print on her heart. From Augie and Corky to Zoa and Jessie, her affection for them was unwavering. Destiny, Otis, Billy, Luli, and Delilah each shared in her warmth and care, bringing her joy and companionship. And then, finally, there was a dog named Luke.

Luke entered our lives at a time when we needed him most. My mom, Nana, brought him into her home in the serene mountains of Weaverville, North Carolina. It was eight years after she had endured the unimaginable loss of friends and colleagues during 9/11 as she was a retired FDNY Firefighter. In Luke, she found a new sense of joy and purpose—a companion who brought light to her world. From the start, Luke was more than a pet; he was her partner in healing, a source of strength and laughter in the quiet mountain town.

From Country Boy to Big City Explorer

Luke’s journey was extraordinary. From his beginnings as a mountain boy, he accompanied Nana on adventures that took him from the rolling hills of North Carolina to the bustling streets of Brooklyn. He adapted to every environment with ease, greeting life’s changes with a wagging tail and an open heart. Whether strolling through downtown Asheville or navigating the concrete jungle, Luke’s gentle nature and curious spirit made him beloved by everyone who crossed his path.

A Lifeline Through Life’s Storms

Luke’s love wasn’t just a comfort; it was a lifeline. He stood by Nana as her unwavering companion for years, offering her a kind of emotional support that words could never fully describe. When my mom fell ill and was in the hospital, she held onto two simple but deeply meaningful requests—ones that spoke volumes about her character and her love. The first was urgent and clear: “Get me out of here.” The second, spoken with the same determination, carried a weight that only a true dog lover could fully understand: “If I die, take care of the dogs, especially Luke.” Right before Nana passed, Maria brought Luke to the rehabilitation facility so he could see my mom, his mom, one last time. He jumped up, putting his front paws on the edge of the bed, and kissed Nana’s face. Uncle Bob then stepped in and was prepared to take Luke back to New York to live with him, but our family knew we needed Lukie to stay here with us.

When Luke came to live with Gigi & Daddy, it felt like he instinctively knew how much love & life he was about to bring. Gigi’s face lit up the moment she saw him, and from that day on, he was her best friend, protector, and partner in adventure. His presence brought us peace and joy during some of our family’s darkest times. Gary Jr. & Joe spent time with Luke detailing cars, plus Gabe & Josiah checked in on him regularly. Luke was our constant—a steady, loving force who never left our side. Taking care of Luke wasn’t obligatory—it was a privilege.

The Great Escape and Community Love

Luke’s adventurous spirit occasionally led to mischief—like the time he jumped a six-foot fence during a thunderstorm and went missing for three agonizing days. We searched high and low, plastering the neighborhood with flyers and reaching out online. Thanks to the kindness of our community, we found him, safe and sound. It was a moment of overwhelming relief and gratitude, a reminder of the goodness in people and the unbreakable bond we shared with Luke.

A Life Lived to the Fullest

Luke became an integral member of the Gigi and Daddy adventure team. He was more than a companion; he was an adventurer. He climbed mountains, ate snow, splashed in waterfalls, walked countless lakes, and even chowed on gourmet food from some of Asheville’s finest restaurants. He was there for every milestone, from hiking trips to family gatherings, always eager to be part of the action and on video. Luke saw so much of my mom in my daughter Eve, because they were always together, and he seemed to sense how much joy it brought my mom whenever the grandchildren were near. Luke LOVED when Joe & Gigi would hold him and talk to him so kindly. Even in his later years, when age began to slow him down, his spirit remained unyielding. He found joy in the simplest moments—dancing & bark singing with the family, playing with Atlas & Gigi in the house and out back, lounging in the sun, running like the wind in superspeed, visiting his girlfriend Annabeth, and relaxing outside with his friend Duke during his final days.

The Heart of the Family

Luke’s impact went beyond his adventures. He was there for the everyday moments that made up our lives. During the chaos of COVID 2020, and then that of Hurricane Helene 2024, Luke was a symbol of resilience, weathering the storm with us as we moved from shelter to shelter. Gigi had graced him with a blue diamond ring on his collar. He brought comfort to Atlas, his youngest companion, and even played the role of a police dog for Halloween at the house. Luke loved us with a depth that words can barely convey, and he taught us how to love more deeply in return.

If you ever had the chance to meet and experience our beloved Luke Dog, thank you for being a part of his life and, in turn, ours. I remember so many of you showering him with love, giving him gentle massages, feeding him treats, pouring him water (his favorite), and being a joyful presence in his world—just as he was to all of us. As Gary Jr. so perfectly put it, “Everyone loves Luke like everyone loves Nana,” and then Brooklyn beautifully said, “He loved us all SO much.” On Luke’s last day, Josiah visited and Joseph called. They spoke to him with hearts full of love, saying, “We love you, Lukie.” And we do—forever and ever. Amen.

Thank you, Nana, for loving Luke so deeply and allowing that love to flow through him, touching our entire family, including the great-grandchildren born after you had left this world.

Goodbye, but Not Forever

On January 10, 2025, at 10:10 pm, Luke completed his journey. He left in my arms as I held and kissed him, resting peacefully after a life well-lived. He had carried us through storms, celebrated our joys, and stood by us in our grief. His final gift was ensuring that we made it to safety and into our new home before he passed. Gigi, Daddy, and Luke spent one last night together, surrounded by love. His mission was complete.

Luke’s legacy lives on in every memory, every laugh, and every tear. He taught us that love knows no bounds, that loyalty can be unshakable, and that even in loss, the love we shared will never fade.

Luke Dogwalker is survived by our uncle Bob, our aunt Marilyn & uncle Frank, brother Gary Sr (me), nieces & nephews Gary Jr. (+Tatyana), Gabriel, Joseph (+Amanda), Eve (+Nick), Josiah, Brooklyn (+Monty), Gianna (Gg), and Melissa. Grandnephews Atlas, JJ, La’Zavion, and Elijah. Grandnieces Abby and Ryenn.