Elizabeth:

In 2016, I was studying for my MA in English Lit at San Diego State and working the best job I’ve ever had as a nanny for the Pitman family.

When I woke up on March 19th, 2016, I already knew it was going to be the best day of my life. It was the day I brought home Franky; my black and white bundle of joy rescued from Baja Animal Sanctuary. What I didn’t know was that, on that fateful day, one “right swipe” and a few exchanged messages with a handsome, bespectacled cutie would change my life forever. 

After our first date at Park & Rec in University Heights, the three of us (Franky was not missing this) became blissfully inseparable. We filled our days with California burritos, dog beach, minor league hockey games, constant laughter, margaritas, and endless conversations about academic texts, values, family, dreams for the future, and, of course, dogs.   

We’ve since lived in many warm homes in a few states, changed quite a few jobs/careers, added two more furry angels to our pack (Ranger in 2016, thanks to Elizabeth Allison), and Goonie in 2020 (thanks to Beth at Compass Dog Rescue), and fostered a full roster of sweet dogs. But, really, not much has changed! We’re still inseparable, in love, and will do anything to make the other laugh. 

I am beyond grateful to know Alex in this life. He is endlessly generous, insightful as can be, sweeter than honey, and sometimes funnier than me.  I have no words to express how honored I am to be his partner. 

Alex:

Our story can best be told in terms of dogs, grad school, and cross country moves. Back in 2016, we were both newly in grad school in San Diego when we matched on Tinder, the same day Elizabeth adopted Franky — the first of many dogs to join our family.

Six whirlwind months later, shortly after we moved in together, we drove up to Los Angeles to bring home Ranger, the ‘shy boy’ who immediately came up to me and drank water right out of my glass. The next 2 years were us spending as much time as possible at dog beach, with Ranger’s little peg leg leaving peg prints in the sand as he chased Franky around. 

After I finished my PhD coursework and Elizabeth graduated from her Master’s program, we packed up to move to my hometown of Detroit, as Elizabeth started her PhD program at Wayne State. Soon after, in the summer of 2019, we started fostering dogs. As Covid hit, fostering ramped up and we seemingly had a new dog join the pack every couple of weeks. 

December 2020 led to our first (and so far only) foster fail, as we realized how much I love chihuahuas. We adopted Goonie, my tiny sidekick, giving us the perfect permanent pack of three.  All in all, we fostered nearly 20 dogs together over 2+ years. 

After 4 years in Michigan, we packed everything up again and moved down south to Elizabeth’s home state of Texas, settling in Austin. Elizabeth began painting, I started my 42nd (lost count at some point) new job, and the dogs have been baking on the patio every chance they get. 

It’s been nearly 10 wonderful years since that fateful Franky adoption day. A lot has changed (even more jobs!), but the core of our relationship remains the same — a love of dogs, learning, and each other. 

Elizabeth, you’re my best friend. Having dogs with you is the most fulfilling thing in the world. I dog love you.