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Mason

Mason isn’t just any dog—he’s the most bougie, fancy Goldendoodle you’ll ever meet! Born on May 11th, 2017, he’s got this tuft of white fur on his chest that makes him look like he’s permanently wearing a tuxedo.

Whether lounging around the house on his back, mouth wide open, half-asleep, or sitting majestically like royalty, Mason carries himself like he’s ready for a gala at any moment.

His mom was a petite red Golden Retriever, and his dad, a jumbo-sized black Poodle show dog, clearly passed down some serious sophistication. Honestly, I think the French vibes come from the Poodle side—this dog loves cheese.

We first found Mason in Gilroy, California, just before my daughter Mia’s birthday while she was off digging up history on an archaeological trip in Arkansas.

By some crazy stroke of luck, this goofy, tuxedo-wearing furball tumbled into our lives. He was perfect. I had no idea then how much of an impact he’d have on us.

Mason’s personality is as extravagant as his appearance. Forget regular dog food—this guy is all about human cuisine. Leave a burger or some chicken within his reach, and it’s gone faster than you can say “sit.”

He’s a “meatatarian” through and through, with absolutely no interest in lettuce or greens, though he’ll nibble on broccoli if he’s in the right mood. But what really sets him apart is his food-stealing stealth. In his younger days, he’d knock plates off counters, but now? He’s a pro. He’ll swipe your meal without you even noticing, leaving the plate so spotless you’ll start questioning whether there was food on it to begin with!

Despite his food heists, Mason’s calm, alpha-dog demeanor is his real charm. He’s incredibly smart and somehow always commands the room without even trying. Even when he’s relaxed, there’s an unmistakable confidence about him that says, “Yeah, I’m in charge here.” He’s always been laid-back, never causing chaos unless, of course, there’s unattended food involved.

But Mason’s life hasn’t been all cheese and chicken. When he was about two years old, a freak windstorm blew open our backyard gate, and Mason, true to his adventurous spirit, bolted.

Hours later, we discovered he’d been hit by none other than a Cybertruck. Yes, you read that right—a Cybertruck. This was before they even hit the market, so it had to be a prototype. Of all the things to hit him, it was that futuristic beast.

As a former Navy SEAL medic with 10 years of emergency medical training, I immediately jumped into action. Mason’s right front leg was crushed in half, but with some expert care, a lot of love, and plenty of rehab, we brought him back to health. Before the accident, Mason had been more independent, often doing his own thing. But after that, something changed. He became the most affectionate, loving dog you could ever imagine. He stopped running away and became our constant companion, never straying too far from our sides.

Unfortunately, when Mia started her career, the long hours meant she couldn’t give Mason the attention he craved. And believe me, Mason demands constant attention—this is a dog who won’t tolerate being left alone for too long. So, while we tried to rehome him with her, it became clear that Mason was staying with us, and honestly, we’re happy about it. He’s become the heart of our family, yucky breath and all.

Mason might have started out as a birthday gift for Mia, but he’s now so much more. He’s been through a lot with us, and in the process, he’s become more than just a dog—he’s family.