Scout as a puppy at her first GeekWire happy hour in Seattle, two years ago with civic editor Monica Nickelsburg. (GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser)

Like any self-respecting Seattle workplace, especially those tied to tech these days, GeekWire is a dog friendly environment. Like any good dog, Scout was the best dog.

Two years ago, Scout, a mini Australian Shepherd, chose GeekWire civic editor Monica Nickelsburg and fiancè Max Friedrichsen when it was time to leave her litter for the spoiled life. Last week, a vicious and unexpected illness chose Scout. And GeekWire is grieving.

Scout was a constant presence in our small newsroom. She slept at Monica’s feet throughout most days, and chewed through various treats and rubber toys on others. She greeted people who came to visit and she posed for countless pictures.

This dog’s life: Scout was a constant presence on Instagram.

Scout liked to walk to lunch in Fremont, and she waited patiently through happy hour on Fridays. From one end of the office to the other she chased a thrown tennis ball. She smiled and wiggled her butt sideways when you asked her where the ball was.

Her white, brown and black face showed up on GeekWire’s social media channels from time to time and in nearly every post on Monica’s Instagram account.

Mondays were especially populated with stories about what adventures Scout had gotten into over the weekend — hikes, boat rides, beer gardens … she was such a Seattleite.

And Seattle does feel like a unique place to be a dog. Just witness the number who get to join humans at work every day. Amazon, obviously, contributes greatly to that culture, where thousands of dogs of all shapes and sizes tag along. Special pet amenities are sprinkled throughout the tech giant’s sprawling urban campus.

The best brand ambassador. (GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser)

At GeekWire, there was something very calming about looking up from a laptop to see Scout lazing in the afternoon sun. It only took a slight clicking noise to get her to come over for a rub, or have her seek you out in another room. And being directed or herded by Scout on a simple walk to the bathroom was an especially enjoyable reminder of her working-dog sensibilities.

If you were a dog lover, Scout made you extra loving. If you were a cat lover, Scout made you a dog lover.

GeekWire’s small and close-knit staff will miss her terribly.

It’s not easy to lose a friend, especially at work where we spend so much time. Especially when that friend is the very best friend.

In honor of Scout, please consider making a donation to the Seattle Humane Society or your favorite pet charity.

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