30/10/2025
Kyle asked me when I was going to make this post. And It’s taken me a few days to find the words — and honestly, I’m still crying as I try to write this. We said goodbye to the patriarch of Bourbon Water Newfs and our hearts are broken.
In 2014, Kyle surprised me with 10 week old Tonka for Christmas, and I bawled like a baby the moment I saw him. From that day on, he was pure love — all 185 pounds of it. He had this gentle, knowing way of looking at me — the same way my son does — like I was more than enough, like he didn’t need me to prove a thing to deserve his love.
Tonka was the heart behind Bourbon Water Newfs, the one who started it all with Priss. But he was also just our Tonka — our biggest family member, our gentle giant, our shadow. He smiled for every camera, soaked up every ounce of attention, went trick-or-treating with the kids, and loved every truck ride with Kyle. He greeted me every single day after school like I was the best part of his world.
If you’ve ever met Tonka, or have one of his puppies, you know the joy and peace he carried. His legacy lives on in them — in every paw print, every cuddle, and every drool-covered smile.
This is the part of caring for animals that is the hardest. I doubt I ever have another one like him. We miss him more than words can say, but we’re so grateful for the years of love and laughter he gave us.
💔🐾
— Sarah & Kyle
Bourbon Water Newfs
