Millie Bartels

"Millie 'Mildred' Mundt passed away today within the arms of my husband on 1/9/22 at about 11:15am. She suffered a heart attack and passed very, very unexpectedly. She was healthy. She just saw the vet a month ago. She was active. We are absolutely stunned and heart broken.

She spent her last moments doing what she loved in this life - walking, outside, with a stick in her mouth, in the snow, in the woods. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Millie wasn’t a dog, she was my daughter. My kid. The dog that would wake me up out of bed, to only tell me “each day is an adventure, Mom!” She was with me through so many trials and tribulations. Journeys across the country, breakups, move-ins, losses, grad school, our engagement, our wedding, our remodel, new towns/cities/states. She was by my side for it all. She saw every intimate moment. Gave cuddles. Gave hugs.

She was one of the main purposes in my life. Telling me that she NEEDS TO RUN. And because of this, forced me to hike with her. I have no idea how many hikes we’ve accomplished together, but I know it's probably states worth of miles. She always had a stick or ball on hand for the journey, smelled the smells, and hiked about 20 feet in front of me to “make sure it was safe.” She loved every aspect of the outdoors - winter, water, woods. She would fearlessly jump in, run by your side, or hike an unknown path. We went on daily walks together, for both of our sanities.

She was meant to be outside - free, running, exploring, adventuring. She was everywhere we were - tents, cabins, airbnbs, hotels, homes. She was with us, always.

She was a girl that sought out joy. She was always happy and ready for what the world was going to show her. She howled at sirens, stole any other dogs toys, “re-arranged” our pillows, and signed when she was forced to lay down. She loved all people, was gentle with children, played with pups, and never hurt a soul her entire life. As a contrast, she was also stubborn. I would like to think her stubbornness is why she passed the way she did - she didn’t want to tell us. “It’s okay, just one more walk instead?”

Sam, my husband, was able to enjoy 4 years with her. He was able to (somewhat) successfully teach her to heel. He hiked solo days with her and mountain biked with her. They needed each other to get one another tired. I was so happy to see she loved him like I did.

Zazu, our cat, also joined us. We became a family and it felt complete. He let her know quickly that he had claws, but just as quickly she let him know that she could go outside without a leash. Apprehensive at first, but cuddling by the end. They were best friends.

Millie lived up to her name of “Gentle Strength.” She was the best dog I could have asked for.

Too young, not enough time, and taken too soon at 7 1/2 years old.
Rest In peace my adventure dog, my baby, my Millie."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Millie Bartels, please visit our floral store.