A Sacredness in Tears: A Dedication to Mr. Peabody

"Good night, sweet prince. May hosts of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Jackson Peabody Hugapug, 2004-2018

As a most awaited arrival, Jackson was born to Ms. Fancy and Abe Hugapug on November 3, 2004, in the small town of Dunnellon, Florida. After a brief meeting on Thanksgiving, on Christmas Eve of that same year, he began his life with his human parents. Ever the cuddler, as a young pug growing up in Tampa, he spent much of his time by his Momma’s side. He could often be found following her to the kitchen, the balcony, and on occasion, surprising her by jumping into warm bubble baths. As a puppy, he enjoyed chewing on desks, ripping pages out of books that were left within reach, and carrying around his longtime stuffed companion, Liger, who stayed in Jackson’s life for many years until his untimely death following a rather unfortunate game of tug-o-war.

In his early adulthood, Jackson grew serious and focused on his studies while helping his two younger sisters, Luna (b. 2007) and Sofie (b. 2009), learn the ways of the Smooshy-faced Crew. As a young academic, Jackson was a natural rhetorician and economist with a unique understanding of legal precedents. He went on to earn both a PhD in International Finance and a Juris Doctorate from Milkbone University. After earning his degrees, he became a business pugfessor and began working in real estate. While he remained a savvy businesspug and venture capitalist until well into his late-80s, he left real estate within a few years. The housing market crash and some bad press involving questionable construction on two condos that were occupied by his sisters forced him to refocus his career path. He did, however, always maintain his innocence and suggested that his old nemesis, tug-o-war, was to blame for the structural damage reported by his sisters.

In the years following his departure from real estate, he could often be found reading his Daily Rover and chewing on his cigar after dinner. His more relaxed life helped him remember the value of making time for snuggling, going on car rides, grumbling, and being an active member of his local dog park community.

In 2015, with his Momma and sister Luna, Jackson relocated to Orlando. He instantly became a bit of a local figure at coffee shops, parks, and charity events. The different pace of life in Orlando suited him, and he traded in cigars and scotch for yogurt treats and mango juice. One evening, following a long walkie with Momma and Luna in the fall of 2017, he decided he would retire from the business world after Howl-o-Ween, an event at a local museum known for its homemade treats. That night, adorned in a rainbow tie, he was given the honorary title of Mayor, and after closing several deals, he officially announced his retirement.

Jackson turned 91 in the days following the event and welcomed his twilight years. During those months, he enjoyed the softness of his many beds, the warmth and silliness of his sister, and the constant presence of human companionship. He loved spending time in the backyard, walking on trails in Winter Park and Lake Nona, and eating at exactly 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. In the days leading up to his departure from his earthly pug life, he was surrounded by love, peace, and comfort.

On the morning of April 27, 2018, Jackson became one with the Cosmic Force. While those who love him grieve and feel the disruption, they also find great solace in knowing what a truly wonderful and fortunate life he lived. The last 13.5 years have passed in an instant, but in every memory, the sound of a snorting pugpug can be heard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to your local pug rescue and hold each other just a little longer today.

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”