Drew Mirtsching

Drew Mirtsching passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in the loving arms of his Mommy, Kayla Mirtsching and Daddy, Richie Mirtsching. Other names Drew ‘answered’ to are Drewby, Pookie, Nana’s Block Head, Hammer, and Swampy Butt.

Drew was such a special dog with an incredible story of determination, love, and healing. Drew was found wandering by a concerned neighbor where he was picked up by York County Animal Control. The kind workers of AC called Hartman’s Haven Dog Rescue here in Hickory, NC. That’s where Drew’s story really begins. Drew was severely neglected. He was estimated to be around 5 years old and severely underweight. He had a heart murmur and pulmonic stenosis he was placed on meds for. His ears were in bad shape from neglect of chronic ear infections, which left him deaf. He had a funky skin fold/scar tissue, likely from a collar that had embedded into his skin at some time. Drew went through weeks and months of antibiotic therapy to clear up the infections. Ultimately, Drew had to have a total ear canal ablation, which left him permanently deaf. He had two surgeries to fix the scar tissue on his neck and fix his ears. He nearly died after losing so much blood during one of the surgeries. During all this, he was taken care of by his wonderful Foster Momma, Beth Bailey. She always talked about Drew’s calm demeanor when doing wound care and how all he wanted was to be touched and loved on. Drew was so loved by Beth and was her favorite foster.

After spending 8 months in recovery with Momma Beth, it was time for him to find his Furever Family. He was adopted by Richie and Kayla Mirtsching. From the first moment Kayla saw Drew on Beth’s Facebook and learned his story, she just knew he was going to be her dog. Life would never be the same for Drew. From that moment on, Drew was surrounded by love from his fur parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so many friends. 

On Drew’s first well check with at his vet, Kayla was told he was a hospice situation, and would likely only make it about a month. Boy, did Drew have other plans. He fought so hard to stay with his new family and lived with them for the next 5 years. It was LOVE that saved this boy.

Drew was loved by so many and he returned that love to anyone he met. He never met a stranger and the second anyone would pet him, they instantly became his best friend. Drew’s smile immediately captured the heart of anyone who met him. Drew was often recognized in public as Drew the Deaf Bully. So many knew his story. He was a local celebrity!

Drew loved to travel with his parents. He went camping every summer at Wilson’s Creek, where he surely didn’t want to be outside with you, but didn’t want to be inside without you. You can imagine the whining, grunting, and protesting this caused daily while at the camper. He loved to ride. He traveled to other states with his parents, always quickly falling asleep in the back seat not 5 minutes into any trip. The sound of his snoring let his parents know he was comfortable and there was nothing to worry about. Drew frequented the Drag Strip and even loved watching fireworks with his Mommy and Daddy. Drew was an academically accomplished dog, helping Kayla through Grad School. Drew was a huge support through working in the hospital during the Covid pandemic. Drew was his Nana’s emotional support dog through her battle with cancer. Drew was an Amazing dog.

Drew was even a dog who loved the vet. Especially his friend, Dr Whitted. He was always happy to see her and all the technicians at Conover Veterinary Hospital. 

Drews sweet quirks will never be forgotten. Like, rolling on the floor while barking as loudly as he could, because lets face it...he couldn't hear himself. He loved the camera and never missed the chance to be the center of attention or the model in the photo. While he was never a fan of blankets, he always had to have a pillow or at least something to lay his head on, even if it was just a box or a shoe. He never missed an opportunity to climb into a lap for cuddles and a nap. And he certainly never missed the opportunity to eat. He never met a treat or food he didn't like.

Time was the only thing Drew couldn’t be protected from and his heart became too weak. He fought so hard to stay with his parents, only eating when his Mommy would hand feed him. The decision was made to show the biggest act of love any pet parent can give. Drew and his LOVE will live on in the hearts of all that LOVED him.

Drew’s story can be found on Facebook.

And his goofy videos can be found on TikTok.