Milo Troglia: 2012-2025
Milo’s life as we know it began in March of 2013 when he was abandoned on his grandparent’s doorstep. Anton still recalls the first time he saw Milo, running after the truck that had just dumped him at their house, confused and frightened. Milo stayed close to their house, seemingly too scared to venture off on his own, timid and anxious, he stayed curled up on their doorstep, even when they were gone. Delores and Anton, animal lovers but cat owners, reached out to Brian and Rhonda who were dog owners and asked them to come take Milo until a permanent home could be found for him. It was love at first sight for Rhonda, she picked Milo up and cuddled with him, pleading with Brian to let her take him home and keep him. Eventually, she won half the battle and Milo came home with the couple until an alternate living situation could be found.
Milo was still just a puppy at this time, barely larger than the two dachshunds already living in the couple’s residence. With the help of “King Louie”, Milo felt at home within just a few days, and it was quickly decided that Milo had found his furever home. He became an official family member when Aaron picked out his name because he “just looked like a Milo”.
Milo, always eager to please, loved his new family and large yard. As a young pup he showed a keen intelligence and an eagerness to please that thankfully outweighed his very loud, annoying, and high pitched bark. Milo suffered abandonment issues and was often anxious when left alone but gradually felt at ease and calmed down enough to act like the puppy he still was. Even though he could be a little bit of an adolescent heathen, he was the star pupil in his obedience training, turning on all his charm during class and graduating with top honors.
From the beginning, Milo was eager for car rides, he didn’t care if he got a little nauseous and often vomited during these rides, he was always excited when he got to go on drives with his parents. Over time, his extreme car sickness dissipated and family joyrides became a regular occurrence that all family members could enjoy.
Milo and his family took frequent camping trips and Milo thoroughly enjoyed chasing the birds and playing fetch. He did not, however, enjoy the lake and adamantly refused to get close to the water. On rare occasions, the pursuance of a goose would coax him into continuing the chase in the water, but this was always short lived.
Milo’s youth was spent chasing birds, balls, and squirrels. In a classic David and Goliath battle, Milo succumbed to a squirrel that bit his lip, latching on and riding Milo like a cowboy riding a bull in a rodeo. Bucking and broncing, Milo was finally able to throw the squirrel, but it left Milo with a small scar on his lip and little desire to chase any other squirrels. Milo was also a life-long diva and thoroughly enjoyed being pampered, warm fires, snuggles, soft blankets, and good food.
In 2015, Rhonda and Brian adopted another black lab mix, Maddie. Maddie and Milo became instant companions and soul mates, inseparable in all activties whether it be sleeping or playing. Maddie’s calm demeanor added a little more finesse to Milo’s personality, and the couple truly rounded each other out.
Milo’s golden years were with Maddie, peaking in 2018 when Brian retired and Milo, Maddie, Louie, and Brian were constant fixtures in each other’s lives. The 3 of them followed Brian around like reverent disciples with wagging tails as he renovated their new home or went about his daily tasks. It was a joy to watch the close bond and pure delight they took in each other’s company.
Like all good things, this too came to an end with the death of Louie in November of 2021 and Maddie shortly thereafter the following March. Milo missed his companions greatly and clung even closer to Brian and Brian to him. The two depended on each other and their world’s revolved around one another.
Finally, in 2024, Rhonda also retired and Milo’s last year was spent sharing his time with both parents. Even though he was much slower by this time in his life, he was a devoted friend, and a vigilant pet. His typical day was often spent doing “yoga” with Rhonda in the morning, and supervising Rhonda & Brian in their daily chores the rest of the day. His whole life centered around his parents and if he wasn’t with them, he was eagerly waiting to greet them when they returned.
During his last year, Milo became a road tripping expert, traveling to Minnesota, the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf Coast, with several points in between. It was during this time that Milo’s great fondness for the Ocean was discovered. Even though he was not fond of bodies of freshwater, he acted like a young puppy when he was at the beach. One of his happiest life experiences was splishing and splashing in the waves and chasing gulls, regardless of which coast he was on.
Milo was loved by all that met him and will truly be missed. The family will hold a private service in his honor later this week. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you cherish your time with your loved ones, hug your pet, and/or donate to your local shelter.
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