Sparky joined the Thomas family on July 1, 2010, through Midwest Animal Rescue Services (MARS). A southern transplant to Eden Prairie, Sparky came into our lives as the perfect companion – and he left it the same way, peacefully in his sleep on the evening of Monday, Sept. 30, 2025.

A mixed breed with traces of beagle, Jack Russell, terrier, shepherd, and who knows what else, Sparky was a unique blend of loyalty, gentleness, and mischief. When it came time to choose a dog, each of our five family members got one vote. After countless interviews and visits, Sparky won unanimously. He got the golden ticket.

Unfortunately for him, that golden ticket came with an immediate twist: we had a family vacation already planned. So, Sparky was boarded with a dog trainer in Baldwin, Wisconsin, who specialized in hunting dogs. The idea was to find out if Sparky had any hunting instincts. Two weeks later, the trainer brought me into a field, leash in hand, with a quail chick in his pocket. He set Sparky loose about 30 feet away, then dropped the quail just 10 feet in front of us. I watched eagerly as Sparky ran straight for the bird. Was he a natural? A future pheasant champion?

Not quite. Sparky trotted up to the quail, sniffed it, pawed it once, then lay down next to it like it was a nap buddy. The trainer looked at me and said, “You don’t have a hunting dog. You have an amazing family dog. Save your money – he doesn’t need training. He’s perfect as he is.”

That same trainer had three daughters who were allowed to choose a dog from the kennels to sleep in their bedrooms each night. While we were away, all three girls fought over Sparky. In fact, he never spent a single night in the kennel – he was always in one of their beds. Even then, Sparky knew exactly how to win hearts.

Over the next 13 years, Sparky walked beside us on sidewalks, side streets, trails, parks, and state parks. He taught our children what it means to care for someone else – how to feed, bathe, clean up after, and show up for a life that depends on you. He was the best listener, a quiet presence who taught us the value of patience and empathy.

Sparky had no enemies – except for red squirrels. Anyone who knew him loved him, and he loved them right back.

There will be no flowers or memorials. If you want to honor Sparky, do us one favor: keep getting rid of the red squirrels.

– The Thomas Family

Editor’s note: This commentary was written by Joe Thomas of Eden Prairie.