Piper was born August 23, 2007 and fell into my lap from a friend on January 21, 2008–a month before me, her, my dog Riley and roomie Jessa moved into a little apartment off Rosewood Ave in West Hollywood. She was a “show dog reject” because she was missing neck ligaments, and I adopted her despite not being able to afford her. The owner said “you can have her for free under 3 conditions: If you ever get rid of her, she must come back to me. Two, she must be spayed. And three. I hear you’re going to pursue the movies in Los Angeles. Cresteds ARE an artist’s dog. You just have to promise me you’ll put her in your movies if you make it (I put her 7 movies, she’s Piper the Dog on IMDb;).
At the time I adopted her, I had no idea I was bringing home the best friend I’ve ever had. Over the last 18 and a half years, Piper stood patiently by my side through five break-ups, countless Hollywood rejections, and numerous failures to launch. She also cheered me on through 52 feature films, lived with me in Berlin for a year, and filmed with me in over a dozen states—always our little onset mascot.
We survived a pandemic, saw friends come and go over the years, and watched each other’s hair slowly start to gray. My angel also cuddled me closely through the passing of my father, both my grandparents, my friend Mike, and my sister Leah.
To say Piper has been with me for the better part of my adult life, and weathered every storm and sunshine that came afterward—would be putting her love lightly.
At many points, I believed she’d always be here. But time is a funny thing, and as we came out of what I believed may have been some of the hardest seasons of our life—Piper let me know she is tired, and her work here on Earth is done.
She has changed so many lives, not just mine, and it will be hard to tell the baristas at so many coffee shops who call her my diva, she is no longer with me. But in my aching heart I feel joy, for I know we will meet again.
She is my John Coffey in The Green Mile: “I dreamed of you. I dreamed you were wandering in the dark, and so was I. We found each other. We found each other in the dark.” And I will find you again one day my love.❤️
I moved to LA in 2004 to go to film school. I loathed it so much that I went home two weeks later thinking I would never return but dreams don’t go away just like that, so nearly four years later, I returned to give my dreams one more chance. That was 15 years and 50 movies ago. Thanks for a great 15 years, LA. I love you. ❤️
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📸: @shanleykellis.stills
She wasn’t just my dog. She touched the lives of nearly every person who had the chance to meet her.
And although it was a very easy thing to do, I still want to thank everyone who loved her. ❤️
Things I took away from this year.
1) Life doesn’t always get easier. Especially when you know your purpose in life precedes you, and the path you’re called to walk each day. And especially when that path requires you saying goodbye to outdated beliefs, storylines, patterns or people who are stalling your growth in that purpose.
2) Spirituality and faith comes in many shapes, forms and fashions. Be open to receiving in ways that could change your life.
3) Life really is beautiful and shouldn’t be taken for granted. We don’t really have nearly as much time as we think we do.
4) But together, we can find peace in our purpose, faith in the journey, and fall in love with life over and over again if let ourselves. Together, we are golden. 💫 ❤️
Beautiful evening celebrating @lifetimetv Love of a Lifetime November line-up, which includes our beautiful feature Terry McMillan Presents His, Hers & Ours.
Check it out this Saturday on Lifetime at 8/7C. 💝
📸 : @gettyimages
Such a perfect weekend in San Fran with the whole fam celebrating the wedding of my nephew @kevinhelgren and his partner @choubenjamin . We are all so happy for you guys and love you both so much. Congrats to both my boys and welcome to the family Ben! ❤️❤️❤️ #lovewins
Happy happy 18th birthday to my best friend, partner in crime, and fave lil boo thang Piper. I can only hope I’ve brought you half as much joy as you’ve brought me over the last two decades. ❤️
