On Wednesday, Milo Shamus Maloney suddenly left a life created specifically for him, and his canine siblings; lives intentionally designed to be protected from the endless vagaries and vicissitudes of human folly. Milo’s life encompassed big love, years of endless fun and adventure, and the very best of everything we could provide him. He spent his last night lying on a down pillow in front of the stone fireplace in our cabin in Heath, warming himself against the first cool hilltown night.

For those who love, and lose, a companion animal, grief is often located somewhere on the back burners of loss. After all, “he was only a dog/cat.” However, decades of social science research on the relationship between companion animals and humans discount such pompous, and antiquated, dismissals.

Research published by Forbes, the Insurance Information Institute, the American Pet Products Association, Chewy, and Statista reveal the reality of what companion animals bring to human life. For example: As of 2024, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a companion animal. That’s up from 56% in 1988. From companionship to emotional support, domestic animals are a vital part of human lives. In fact, 97% of humans consider their furry companions to be an essential part of the family.

Earlier research (2011) conducted by Kelton Research found that 81% of pet owners not only treat them as members of the family, but 77% talk about them as if they were human family members. Remarkably, 73% of those surveyed would choose their four-legged companions over a human being if they were limited to having only one friend.

Referring to those findings, canine researcher Dr. Stanley Coren noted in Psychology Today: “Perhaps the most striking thing to come out of this research is that the pet owners of today seem to blur the lines between children and pet dogs in many ways. For example, 81% of those surveyed consider their dogs to be true family members, equal in status to children.”

Additionally, Forbes reported research that found 78% of respondents agree that seeing their pet when they come home is the best part of their day, and 71% said they regularly put their pet’s needs before their own. What’s more, 40% report that pets influence what trips they take, and nearly half of respondents (49%) admitted they plan their free time around being with their pet.

More than two in five (43%) would change plans so their pet could be included and 39% would rather cancel plans to spend more time with their pet. One-third of respondents reported they enjoy watching TV or a movie together with their pets.

Milo’s life with us supports all of those findings, including data from the American Pet Products Association that estimates, in 2024, Americans will spend approximately $150 billion on their companion animals, including $93 billion on food and travel. Although we tend to think of our own family/pack as more “Motel 6” folk, Milo and his brothers did experience a rare week in a suite at Boston’s Lenox Hotel, as well as a stay in the swanky Beverly Hills Hotel.

Although Milo was born here in Franklin County, and spent every summer and fall of his life in Heath, in his nearly 13 years he also lived in Boston (a city he loved), Vermont, Palm Springs, California, and Tucson, Arizona. He had visited, or traveled through, most of the continental U.S. by car and, later, in a custom camper designed specifically for his, and his siblings’, comfort.

The only consolation to our pain is knowing that Milo never wanted for anything, especially unending love, treats, and constant attention. Yet, he remained a gentle, unassuming, delightful, and quiet little clown, who gave us 10 million times more than we ever could have given him.

Milo is survived by his dads, Kevin Maloney and Barry Adams of Heath and Tucson, Arizona; as well as his siblings Valentino Christobal Maloney (aka Tony Maloney) and his sister, Snooky Vivian Maloney. He was predeceased by Spike Michael Maloney, and his beloved Chihuahua brothers Chili-Bob Maloney, Taco Lee Maloney, and Sybon Klum.

Milo’s family asks readers to please consider offering financial support to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, or any organization that exists to rescue, shelter, and rehome animals in need of love and protection.

Barry Adams lives in Heath.