By Clark Odom
Knoxville, Tennessee is known for many things. It’s the beloved home of the University of Tennessee. It claims to be “the gateway” to the Great Smokey Mountains. Kenny Chesney, Quentin Tarantino and Johnny Knoxville (duh) were born there. It has a Sunsphere (Google it). Peyton Manning.
Like I said, Knoxville is known for a few things, but most importantly, it’s where our story begins.
On May 28, 2008, a litter of French Bulldog puppies unceremoniously made their way into the world. Like most litters, the puppies differed in size and color, but only one was red. He was also the runt. Naturally, he was called “Little Red.”
Around the same time, a strikingly beautiful business professional, affectionately known as “Beez”, sat in her Washington D.C apartment making an important life decision. She was getting a puppy. She researched the breed, weeded out the puppy farms and finally set up an appointment with the most reputable breeder this side of the Mississippi.
With excitement in her eyes, she pointed her car south and headed to Knoxville Tennessee.
FUN FACT
Ashley was given the name “Beez” by yours truly. Mostly because she’s the “Bee’s Knees,” but also because it has one syllable.
The initial meeting of “Little Red” and Beez happened in actual slow motion. No decisions were needed. Her research and expectations disappeared in a cloud of heart emojis as a red ball of wrinkles and ears pushed his way through a puppy blockade and slid face first into her waiting hands. He didn’t leave those hands until they made it home, to D.C., that night.
Once the two settled into a routine, two things became very apparent. He was very stubborn and always hungry. “Little Red” didn’t seem to fit his personality or massive appetite, so after much thought and deliberation, it was decided his name would be Monty!
FUN FACT
Was Monty named after the British general? Nope. Monty Python, an early 80s British comedy troupe that I have never heard Ashley mention once. Not even sure she’s watched “The Holy Grail.”
GAME BREAK
Tired or Hungry?
Hover for answers.
Hungry
Hungry
Hungry
Starving
The two became inseparable. Sale’s calls took them up and down the eastern seaboard. What was once a quick flight and a night at the Intercontinental, became days of driving and dog friendly hotels. They couldn’t have been happier.
And then, for reasons I can’t remember, they took a trip to Abu Dhabi. I know. It was a big trip. It seems important…
Actually, for sake of time, we’ll fast forward to their return home to Atlanta, GA.
Beez was born and raised in Rome, Georgia, a small town about an hour north of Atlanta. Since family and friends where close by, Atlanta was an obvious choice to call home. With a new job in software sales, Monty and Beez hit the road again.
One evening, after returning home from a long trip, a neighbor invited Beez out for drinks. With Monty fast asleep and her wanting to do the same, she reluctantly accepted.
Luckily, for me, a few drinks that night led to a 10 year adventure with my two best friends. We have had more ups than downs and I’d love to tell you all about them, but I’m not sure I have the words and you probably don’t have the time.
So, let’s let the photos tell the story the rest of the way.
In Loving Memory Of
Monty “Mont-Rock” Moreland
May 28, 2008- June 15, 2020
We’ll keep looking for those rays of sunshine. Thank you for sharing yours.
We love you.
