Dear Friends,
I must share some news with you, even though it will make you sad. I got my angel wings today – I am in Heaven now. I passed away peacefully during one of my many naps in my favorite spot on the couch. I was dreaming about apples with peanut butter and basketballs.
My family is beyond devastated, as you can imagine. To say I was loved by them would be a huge understatement. Their hearts are broken in a million pieces. However, they loved me with their whole hearts every minute of every day, and they have no regrets. My mom often told me, “Porterhouse, we love you TOO much.” She knew how hard this day would be. But you didn’t love me “TOO much,” Mom. You and Dad loved me just right. I was the luckiest bullie every to live.
I never questioned whether I would be fed (although the amount was a little less than satisfying at times… just sayin’), never wondered where I would lay my big ol’ head, never felt abandoned or neglected, never wondered if I would get a belly rub when I wanted it. For that I am forever grateful. I had more friends than most humans, and I love each and every one of you with my whole heart. As the official live mascot for Drake University, I was given a student body that truly adored me and treated me like a celebrity. I loved the students more than anything and I will truly miss them.
Magoo is going to be lost without me, at least for awhile. Thankfully, however, he has the tremendous love of my parents and our sister O to get him through this. Magoo was my buddy. We were so very different, but such a perfect pair. He idolized me and was the most loyal brother and ear cleaner I could have imagined. I loved you so very much, Magoo. And I’m so proud of you. You’re a good boy.
My sweet sister O is also going to miss me. We snuggled constantly and loved each other deeply. She’s such a gentle and nurturing soul. She’s overcome so much. She’s going to be confused for awhile. She, too, will be okay with the incredible love of my family. O and Magoo will definitely need to rely on each other for comfort.
My parents were on the road to Minneosta when my grandparents came to check on us this morning. They’re the ones that found my body. They took Magoo and O home with them until Mom and Dad got back. Before leaving, O came over to me and gave me one last gentle kiss on the face. She knows I’m gone, but I’m afraid my brother Magoo doesn’t quite understand yet.
My parents were so excited for me to meet my new human brother or sister this March, but now I will just have to love and watch over him or her from afar. I love that little person like crazy already. We’ve gotten some good cuddle time in through Mom’s stomach over the past 6 months. This baby has been introduced to the fine art of snoring already. Magoo and O will provide more than enough doting, I have no doubt. I do think naming him or her Porterhouse would be a nice tribute, don’t you? I’m just saying.
Every day of my life was full of phrases like “I love you, Porterhouse!” and “Good boy, Porterhouse.” and “I’m so proud of you, buddy!” and “You are one handsome devil, Porter.” Sure, there were a few “You are the most stubborn dog I’ve ever known” and “Porterhouse, stop being so difficult,” but I don’t think we need to dwell on those.
Please keep my spirit alive in Porterhouse Nation. If you get a dog, I beg you to adopt one from a shelter or rescue (such as the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue). Keep up the good fight against puppy mills by supporting organizations such as the Iowa Voters for Companion Animals. Volunteer. Do good for others and be kind to both animals and each other. Share the love, my friends.
Thank you… from the bottom of my bullie heart… for loving me and being so wonderful to my family. It means more than you will ever know. I had the best life and I went to Heaven on my own terms – drama free. Sending you lots of love, now and forever.
Oh, and one more thing: GO BULLDOGS!
Peace, Love, and Bulldogs…
Porterhouse
Porterhouse's Pet Project 
Porterhouse has been a surrogate brother to my 3 bulldogs. Our hearts are broken.
You’ll never know how much you meant to me big guy. I never met you and only knew you through your posts but you brightened my every day. And to PH’s parents, thanks for all the work that you do with rescue. Every dog, whether bullie or not, deserves a loving home. I’ll pray for you in the time of your loss.
There are tears rolling down my face as I read this. I was never lucky enough to meet Porterhouse in person, but he touched my life daily through the incredible Twitter persona Erin set up for him. He made me smile multiple times a day, even on my worst days. I loved looking for his pictures and seeing the bully antics of your house. I’ve always liked his adorable “personality” but it was that Porterhouse was a spokesdog using his fame to bring attention to the need to adopt, not shop and the awful conditions of his rescued friends that captured my heart. That and his awesome wrinkles and lovable face. Thank you for bringing the joy of Porterhouse into my life. He was a spectacular “hound” and I’m better for having “known” him. I didn’t get the Porterhouse shirt I asked for for Christmas, but now I know I’ll be gifting one to myself in his honor. We already hugged our own hounds tight and lit a candle to help P find his way to the Rainbow Bridge. Much love and heart-healing drool is being slung your way from Milwaukee.
Porter, you were one of a kind. You were loved by many, and you gave SO much love to those around you. So many hearts (both human and canine) were touched by your actions. From the children that you visited at the hospital, to the foster brothers and sisters who learned from you that it was OK to relax and be loved. I’ll hug your foster sister Lola a little longer than usual tonight, and tell our new foster Chloe what a great angel-brother she has watching over her. Give Candie a kiss when you see her. Rest easy, my friend.
I am so sad. The entire Drake family will be heartbroken to hear this news. Porterhouse has been the finest mascot and much beloved by all of us who have had the joy to know him.
Porterhouse, you were so loved by your family and many bully parents. My prayers are for your entire family for strength and comfort. Rest in peace and know you have made a difference in many lives!
Oh I can’t stop crying-you were one special boy! I feel so sorry for your family left after you!
As a Drake student, I have to say that Porterhouse was a tangible and loveable representation of all of our school pride. He will be sorely, sorely missed. #RIPPorterhouse
So sorry for everyone’s loss
RIP, Porterhouse. You will be missed.
My heart goes out to your family. My family and I are also bully lovers and we have a female named cookie monster. I couldn’t imagine the feeling of your loss. Porterhouse looked like a very sweet boy who loved you a lot. Prayers to your family.
I’m so sorry, I loved Porterhouse, .loved his stories and.all his pics. Thank you ror all you do with rescue, and thank you for sharing DP with us.
Hugs for O and Magoo xx
I’m so sorry for your loss… I’ve lost two of my little friends in my lifetime and I miss them dearly…
Condolences from your Bulldog cousins at Butler U. Porterhouse and ButlerBlue2 are together again.
I’ll miss you, Porterhouse. My daughter has a lot of photos with you and always loved to say hi to you. I even have a couple of photos with you. Ballgames and Drake events won’t be the same without your beautiful bulldog face…
Porter, I was there for your start at Drake – you are one of the best things to happen for the students at that school! You got us together to cheer at games, we looked for you on campus, and you had the best smile in photos. You will be so missed, but your family (humans and siblings) are a loved part of our community now 🙂
Kevin, I am so sad to hear this news. I know how tough it is to lose a fult member like this. Hang in there!!
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF PORTERHOUSE. I CRIED AS I READ THIS DEAR MESSAGE TO ALL YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS. WHAT AN AWESOME FAMILY THAT WAS LOVED BY PORTERHOUSE AND I LOVED ALL THE THINGS WRITTEN HERE. GOD BLESS HIS DEAR FAMILY.
Omd I’m so sad! RIP Porterhouze, we uv you! Hugz to mops and pops
P –
I am devastated. Luckily, I was at the Playhouse when I received the news and was surrounded by people who love you. All of us who were involved in LEGALLY BLONDE with you are so sad and will miss you so much. You added something so special to our show and touched each of our lives. I was always so happy to see you at each performance and when I wasn’t feeling well, you gave me the spark I needed to perserve. I was so lucky to be able to be your mom. The Playhouse community is sending lots of love to your parents. We are all so fortunate to have worked with you. You will always be a part of our family.
Love you, my Rufus.
Jill
Porterhouse was such an amazing ambassador for his bullie brothers and sisters. My wife, my late bullie Tank and I only knew Porter through the blog and twitter but, just like so many others, we fell in love. We are lucky to have awesome bullies like him and awesome foster parents like his in our community. He will be truly missed, but his legacy both at Drake and in the bulldog rescue community will certainly live on. He has set an amazing trail for others to follow.
I only knew Porterhouse through this page, but here I sit with tears streaming down my face. I know how sad you must feel. He will live on through all of the good work he has done with his many foster brothers and sisters. God Bless all who loved him.
RIP HONEY! I never got a chance to meet you but God and St Francis has sure gained a beautiful Angel! Watch over mom and dad and sissy as they will be needing your strength. Kisses honey ❤️
RIP Porterhouse! Hugz
My heart goes out to your parents. My tears after reading your final blog post are a drop in the bucket to the tears I know your parents have shed. Rest in peace, big boy. Your life was well lived.
Porterhouse, you will be with us forever. You brought so much joy and love to so many that will never, ever forget you. My heart goes out especially to your mom and dad who loved you so much, as well as Magoo and O who will no doubt be lost without you for quite some time. This is also a huge loss to Drake Nation. It just will not be the same without you there. But we will know you are with us forever in spirit. You will be loved and remembered forever for the wonderful, loving, cute champion bulldog that you are.
Reblogged this on kimberly * askren * drake and commented:
Today Drake lost a very important member of our family!! Porterhouse, our LIVE Bulldog mascot passed away…I know it may seem silly to some, but Porterhouse (and his awesome owners) did so much for Drake. They came to EVERY event (they even stopped by our Hope waLKS race this past year!!) and gave us great entertainment. He was an icon and a total stud. He posed for pictures and got tons of awwwws as he rode in his little blue stroller. On top of all that, he was an icon for the bulldog rescue….an advocate for adopting bulldogs and dealing with all of the health issues bulldogs often have. He was a true superhero, and we will not be the same without him!! It will be sad to go to football/basketball games, Drake Relays, and countless other events and not see Porterhouse’s grumpy smiley face…RIP Porterhouse, you will be missed by your whole family!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can tell how much you love your furbabies. It takes a lot to care for bulldogs. My friend Rebecca Richardson posted this on Facebook. Prayers and condolences to you.
Oh Porter, you weren’t mine but I loved you. We all did. And your wonderful parents, too. God bless your family and your mission, which will continue.
I am so sorry to hear about Porterhouse. This breaks my heart, but glad she went so peacefully, and am thinking of Magoo, but then Grateful for O..You have a GREAT Family! Take care xo xo xo!
We lost our Bulldog Chloe (also known as Rita or Big Sexy) on October 6. I know she welcomed Porterhouse into heaven with a hearty snort and a slobbery kiss. Rest in Peace dear Porterhouse!
I am so sorry to hear about Porterhouse. He was very special and it was a privilege to do pet therapy on the same team. Valerie and Conan have their wings and will be there to greet him.
I am so touched by your sweet blog post. I did not know Porter, but my sister attended Drake and gave me the news today of his passing. She adored Porter!!! So, I read this link that she just now shared, and I am in tears. I have 2 dogs of my own and they are truly my children. May Porter’s sweet little soul rest peacefully in doggie heaven with all the other angels! 🙂
We met Poterhouse at the Drake Beautiful Bulldog contest and we fell in love with him and Rocky (our bully) loved him too! He was a sweetie!!! He will be missed!
what a wonderful tribute to this beautiful bullie. Porterhouse, give Sinbad and Brittney some bulldog hugs and kisses for me. Huggs to your humans and Magoo and Miss O
He was always an Angel! You will never be forgotten!
Tears are running down my face and I am having a heard time dealing with the fact the PH is no more. It is like losing my own beloved bulldog. You have been a part of my day for awhile now. Always looking forward to your tweets. You always could put a smile on my face, even on the worst of days. You have inspiried my husband and I to follow in you mom and dads footsteps and rescue bulldogs. Bless your mom and dad, O and Magoo.
One day, MUCHLY ADORED BeagleButt – Lowell B – decided his 45th Street Beaverdale yarden was just not enough for him. Earlier in the week, he had taken his FurSister – Nettie Noodle – and his Mommy on a walk over to 47th Street to greet some new friends.
He missed his new pals, so … Lowell B decided to go on a smellpedition to find them! He knew he wouldn’t be in trouble with his worried-to-pieces Mommy – he was too darn cute! (He DID get Invisible Fence, though!)
Lowell B meandered over to Porterhouse’s Grammy & Grampy’s home. Lowell B was a ‘local celebrity’ and had quite a fan club. Lucky for him, one of his young fans knew who he was, ‘cuz his collar was left behind on the fence when he meandered over to 47th Street!
Lowell B would have stayed there forever, but Porterhouse told him it was time for him to go home. When Porterhouse’s parents called, Lowell B’s Limo Service went to pick him up. What a lucky BeagleButt to smell out a family like Porterhouse’s!
Lowell B earned his Angel Wings in September, 2011. He was WooWooWoo-ing as he waited on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge for his pal Porterhouse. What a big ol’ Wiggle-Butt Fest for those two sweet boyz!
Grampa Jerry & Grama Billie were there laughing … givin’ & gettin’ lots of Puppy Love! The spoiling will go on!
Was introduced to Porterhouse’s feed by the also sadly late Butler Blue 2. Porterhouse and his bros and sis never failed to cheer me up during some hard times. My condolences to his folks, I know how hard it is to lose your dog, RIP little buddy.
I can’t begin to tell tell you how deeply sorry I am. You and Candie will be watching over Mom and Dad, all your brothers and sisters, and all your friends. Fly free sweet angel fly free. huge hugs for Mom and Dad.
So much love. I’m bawling reading this. Lola Mae & I love you! So happy he had such an amazing life & mom & dad. Oreo breaking my heart with her kiss. I cannot make it better but if I could I would. We love you porterhouse! Guardian bully for baby. And we love you’re beautiful family. Thank you for being a great big brother to Lola Mae. Xoxo Shawna
Porterhouse was a rare and wonderful pup. He made friends everywhere — all dogs, all babies, all people. What a sweetie. We will all miss him. Thank you Erin and Kevin for sharing him with the rest of us.
I’m normally a cat guy, but I have a soft spot for bulldogs, especially Porterhouse and siblings. I enjoyed the adventures of Porterhouse, Magoo and Oreo. I hope Magoo can take over the blog when he feels he’s ready. I’ll miss Porterhouse. I’ll remember what a great ambassador for Drake and IEBR he was. See you on the other side of the bridge.
Keep hope alive!
Porterhouse has been such a good friend to me. His family has been such good friends to my family & I. PH did amazing things for others, especially for dogs in need. He was a mascot, an advocate, a son, a brother, a mentor, and most of all he was my good friend.
Porterhouse, you came to our daughter Briana’s Graduation party when she graduated from Drake. YOU were the hit of the party!!! No one even cared about the food, drinks or even Briana while YOU were there. Everyone wanted their picture with YOU! What a Rock Star you were — and always will be in our hearts.
Every time I see a Drake Bulldog picture or statue,… I think of YOU.
Have fun with the millions of basketballs you will have from God in heaven!
We will miss you!
My heart is broken too! I’m so sorry for your family. You will always be in my heart PH!
This is truly heart breaking! Porterhouse was an angel. I am so sorry for your loss!
Best, Vanessa On Dec 29, 2013 3:17 PM, “Porterhouse’s Pet Project” wrote:
> Porterhouse’s Pet Project posted: ” Dear Friends, I must share some > news with you, even though it will make you sad. I got my angel wings > today – I am in Heaven now. I passed away peacefully during one of my many > naps in my favorite spot on the couch. I was dreaming about apples with > pe”
My heart is broken too PH! I’m so sad by this news. My heart goes out to your family. You will never be forgotten. Love you always!
As a Butler alum, I have a huge spot in my heart for Bulldogs. I can understand the sorrow and heavy hearts you have right now. Wishing you peace & comfort at this sad time. Rest peacefully, Porterhouse– Blue2 is waiting for you.
Will miss seeing you at games…thanks to you for sharing your love of life and basketball and thanks to your ‘parents’ for sharing you with the Drake community…
😦
I Loved Porterhouse from Florida. He and Magoo are two Handsome fellas! I will miss seeing him 😦
PORTERHOUSE MY ARCHIE TOLD ME HE MET YOU AT THE BRIDGE AND IS SHOWING YOU AROUND. YOU HAVE SO MANY FRIENDS AT THE BRIDGE YOU CANT MEET THEM IN 1 DAY. IM SORRY YOU FUR BROTHER AND SISTERVARE GOING TO BE WITHOUT YOU BUT WITH ALL THE LOVE YOU WILL BE SENDING DOWN FROM THE BRIDGE I THINK THEY WILL MAKE IT. IM SORRY YOUR MOMMA AND DADDY ARE HURTING AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THEM…AND YOUR SKIN BROTHER OR SISTER. LOVE YOU PORTER
To say Porterhouse will be missed is an understatement. He was a wonderful dog and a phenomenal mascot for Drake. We are crushed by the news of his passing.
i’m so sorry ;( RIP
Sending hugs through tears. Beautifully written message. Your tweets always brightened my day. We were all lucky to have you in our lives. Thinking of your mommy, daddy, O and Magoo. Wish we could hug you all.
I never met Porterhouse but was a follower of him on facebook. As a grown man it is hard to fathom that his passing is hitting me this hard. He always brought my family joy with his pictures and his blog. He was bigger than life and truly made an impact in his short time on earth. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and will have your family in my prayers.
Porterhouse served all his roles with dignity and class! Drake mascot, sibling to rambunctious Magoo and quiet O, loving ‘son’ to Mom and Dad, therapy dog, role model and pal to each foster that came for a short stay, but a furiend to all his twitter and Facebook followers too! Thanks for making me smile everyday! I know you will be watching over all!
Erin and Kevin- I am so sorry for your loss. Porterhouse was such a sweet and beautiful dog, and I am so glad we joined the Drake family and we got to know him. Thank you for sharing him with us and for helping make the Drake family so special.
RIP handsome boy. :’o(
even though im a UOI fan i send my sympaty to porterhouses family and the drake folks he seemed to be loved by you all god bless you
Heaven’s doggy door opened … blessings for Porterhouse and family … may the smiles of special memories that will forever remain in hearts bring comfort and peace…
.
Ahhh Buddy, I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Puppy Mill Awareness Day walks and I will never forget meeting such a handsome bulldog. My heart aches for your mom and dad and fur siblings. May you rest in peace
I didn’t know Poarterhouse but I dp jave a dpg and could so identify with the love of Porter in your family. Sorry for the loss but it is nice to think of him with his wings looking out over the Drake team and your family. Muriel
This news broke my heart; I am so sorry for your loss. I loved keeping up to date with Portherhouse – and your whole house full of bullies – and know that he will be greatly missed. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Erin and Kevin, Magoo and O….I am so sorry for your loss. Porter was a friend to us all, and thank you for sharing him. I lost my fur-baby this year….it’s really hard. Take care.
To Porterhouse’s family,
We are so very sorry to hear the very sad news. We send our deepest condolences to you all.
Although we never met Portherhouse, we felt like we knew him, thanks to all your efforts of sharing him with us.
We live in Australia and followed his life with dedicated fervour on twitter. We wanted to let you know that his qualification as a Therapy Dog extended internationally as following his stories and photos was a form of therapy for us during hard times we have had. Our phones are full of pics of Porterhouse , Magoo and the beautiful O that we would send to each other during the day, exclaiming “look at them, they are the cutest!”
Thank you Porterhouse and family for sharing your beautiful life with us.
Lots of love and big hugs
Adrian and Jen
Melbourne, Australia
Twitter: @a__bomb , @jpbushes
My heart breaks for all of you. I have followed you, Magoo and O, along with all the other beauties you allowed to share your space on the couch. You made me smile during the most difficult days of my life when I had to say goodbye to my little bully girl. I had hoped to bring O into my family, but realized she was right where she needed to be; with all of you. Thank you for sharing your life and story with all of us. You will be truly missed. Love you always…(Give some kisses and love to my Baby Girl for me when you see her playing. I miss her dearly!)
Sincere condolences on your loss … Porterhouse left some huge paw prints on your heart … the most touching memorial I have ever read – because you loved him and he loved you, more sweet dogs will be rescued – which leads to “who rescued who”. Blessings to you, Magoo and O
Rest In Peace Porterhouse. You are certainly missed by all bulldog families. The Butler fans grieve with the Drake fans. I know you and Blue 2 are again happy healthy and enjoying angelic tummy rub. When you see my girl Flappy Jo tell her her mommy loves and misses her everyday just like your mommies and daddies brothers and sisters love and miss you. Sleep well Porterhouse enjoy life until we all meet again.
To the wonderful family of Porterhouse: thank you so much for sharing him with the Drake community. Thank you for giving so much time and energy ensuring that Drake University had the best live mascot the world has ever known. He was truly a very special dog, spreading cheer wherever he went. Porterhouse will always be remembered, and as a Drake student I can say that the student body will cherish the memories we have of Porterhouse as some of the best of our college years. Again, thank you!
Porterhouse, we extend our sympathy to your Mom, Dad and your buddies. We will miss you, especially at all our Iowa Friends events. You were always the center of attention and soooooooo photogenic… I am trying to imagine what you look like and are doing with your angle wings…probably rounding up a group for a photo shoot?
So sorry to hear this. I have followed you for a very long time and I know you have influenced the lives of many, but especially your mom and dad. I hope they find the strength to get through this tough time.
#ripporterhouse