Mushu, Squire Leroux

Mushu, Squire Leroux

Oct. 28, 2011 - Nov. 29, 2025

Joanne and I lost our Baby Boy in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 29, 2025. He slipped away in his sleep, next to me, our final night together.

I brought Mushu home to Gulfport, FL on Christmas Eve 2011. He was the runt of his litter, but his feisty spirit and masked face touched our hearts. He immediately bonded with his older "brother" Ragsie, and the two were inseparable pals for nearly 14 years. Mushu had several health problems, mostly controlled by regular medication - a seizure disorder, heart murmur and congenital arthritis yet, despite his ailments, he never outgrew his puppy personality. He loved to wander, staking out the perimeter of every place we lived. During our 14 years together, we lived in Florida, Ohio, New Mexico, Maine, Ohio again, and finally South Carolina. In each of our homes, Mushu explored everything and preferred being outside to in; if he could not get out, he would sit for hours by the front storm door, watching his world.

He was a cuddle bunny, loved his rubbings and liked to sleep on our bed about as much as he liked to curl up in his own little space. He loved his toys and his treats, and would often play with those treats, stalking and barking at them as if they were alive. He was an active little fellow, known for what we called his Mushu Dance, rubbing his back on the floor while moving his front legs together in sync to some magical internal rhythm. He loved the snow, cavorting and jumping about with unbridled abandon, yet he hated the cold, often exhausting himself to the point where he just lay down until I came to fetch him and bring him inside.

Mushu made us laugh, just as his profound absence in my life makes me cry. He was intelligent, inquisitive, vocal, energetic and sure of his place in his little world. He announced his presence with a confident show dog gait, head and tail held high, and a series of barks to let everyone know that Mushu was in the house. He was stubborn as all get out, but never angry or ill-willed. He would rather play and dart away than be difficult. Above all else, though, Mushu was loyal. He never let me out of his sight, following my every move from room to room, cognizant of our emotions and seemingly able to understand our thoughts. He was my faithful companion for nearly 14 years, and I miss him terribly. I never realized I could love an animal so dearly and wish I could have just one more hour to hold and comfort him.

All dogs go to heaven, or that's the saying. I really believe it, especially for such a darling piece of work as Mushu. I will always love him, miss him and forever hold him in my heart.