Howard Winchell Adams, marquess of Quail Run, first of his name and lover of treats, walks, and tummy rubs, died unexpectedly but peacefully on August 11, 2025, surrounded by his adoring parents.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Attenborough Adams, viscount of Quail Run (a leopard gecko), and Prince Michael Adams, king of hop (an African water frog). He leaves behind his loving sister, Wilamena Windsor Adams, duchess of Quail Run (a northern map turtle).
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| Howard in January 2022 |
His parents believe Howard was born in 2012, making him 13 years old in 2025. They adopted him in June 2019 from the Animal Protection League in Anderson, Indiana. He made Indianapolis, Indiana, his home from 2019 until his death in 2025 from complications brought on by a collapsing trachea.
Howard leaves behind an enduring legacy of love and Greenies, many of which are hidden throughout the home in various places and are still being discovered buried in various nooks and crannies ranging from the couch to his unofficial second residence in the guest room daybed.
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| This was our introduction to Howard from the Anderson Animal Protection League in June 2019 |
The Chihuahua dachshund mix, known colloquially as a “Chiweenie” or “Mexican hot dog,” went by many names. A sampling: Howie, the Howitzer, Pupperoo, Pupper, Captain Wiggle-Butt, Spicy Little Chorizo, Howie-kins, Pumpkin Butt, Little Buddy, and Stinky Boy.
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| Howard with Anne and me in Anderson on June 29, 2019, marked from that day forward as his birthday |
He was especially fond of his mother, although he eventually accepted his father as a member of the pack and loved both his parents unconditionally. He spent his days going on walks, taking frequent naps, and enjoying too much people food, especially steak from Texas Roadhouse on Fridays.
Unflinchingly loyal and ever the protector, Howard kept his domain safe from all intruders, be they DoorDashers, pizza delivery personnel, UPS men/women, neighbors, or family members who simply dropped by to say hello. He had little tolerance for interlopers in his home or neighborhood and was especially selective when it came to other dogs who lived in the territory that he was dutybound to patrol.
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| "Doped up" Howard after mouth surgery in July 2020 |
He appreciated the devoted care of the staff at Franklin Falls Animal Clinic, Barkefellers Indy South, and Petco. Franklin Falls kept track of his health, Barkefellers gave him a place to play when Mom and Dad were at work or otherwise away, and Petco staffers gave him baths and tried to keep his dewclaws under control. His parents wish to thank them all for the tremendous love, care, and support they afforded their precious boy.
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| Howard with a signature Petco bandana |
Howard embarked on many adventures. He loved visiting various parks around the area and walking around/sniffing neighborhoods like Misty Ridge and that one condo community off Shelbyville Road near Jeremiah Gray Elementary School. He was involved in a crash when his mother’s car had an unfortunate encounter with a curb while picking him up from surgery to have him fixed.
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| Howard sleeping like a little human in January 2021 |
He filled his days with naps and treats, and countless photographs show the many positions and locations in which he slept. Sometimes he would disappear for hours underneath blankets; sometimes he managed to sleep like a little human with his head peeking out from underneath the covers. He also loved to lie in the sun; his mother bought him a specialized elevated bed so he could soak in some rays.
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| Howard on his elevated bed in July 2025 |
Howard enjoyed relatively good health throughout his time in the Kingdom of Quail Run. He did need some surgery to remove a few teeth and a collapsing trachea meant he was sometimes prone to respiratory distress. His parents managed his condition with an inhaler and unconditional love. Sometimes his father worked from home to make sure he was comfortable. Sometimes his mother would take the day off work to keep an eye on him.
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| Howard with his inhaler, April 2022 |
He typically took three walks a day: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. In the early days of his Indianapolis residence, the evening walk happened late, between the hours of eight or nine p.m. As the years went by, and Howard’s eyesight declined, he preferred an evening walk around seven p.m., when there was still some waning daylight.
On extremely hot and humid summer days—and there were many in 2024 and 2025—his mother and father drove him to the neighborhood gazebo so he could sniff and take care of his business without being exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time. This extended to extreme cold, when his parents would drive him somewhere in the neighborhood to avoid the cold and snow. He had a variety of outfits to keep his tummy warm, including several “Adidog” sweatsuits that his father adored.
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| One of his "Adidog" sweatsuits from December 2020 |
Over the years, he played with many toys. They included Chewbacca, Peppermint Unicorn, Giant Blue Shrimp, Chop-Chop (Lambchop), Duck-Duck, Pink Flamingo, and many more. His parents needed multiple versions of Chop-Chop, who was undoubtedly one of his favorite toys and needed to be replaced due to excessive wear and tear. He showed much love to a Mickey Mouse toy by ripping off the nose and exposing stuffing in the shoulder region, damage his determined mother could not fix.
One could surmise from this information that Howard was spoiled. This supposition would be correct.
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| Howard with one of his Chop-Chops, December 2022 |
It is not an exaggeration to suggest Howard was the reason his parents survived the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic started less than a year into his adoption, and Howard provided a loving presence at home and gave his parents an excuse to get out of the house during lockdown periods. Without him, his mother and father would’ve likely descended into madness. He was truly the MVP of that unfortunate chapter of reality.
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| Howard chills outside in June 2020 during the great pandemic |
While good-intentioned and loyal, Howard could also be feisty and obstinate. Walks didn’t end until he wanted them to end, and he seldom went where his parents wanted him to go. They eventually learned to guide him, although they were never able to do so with 100% success. He didn’t love taking medicine and would sometimes spit out pills even when they were hidden in sliced turkey. If Howard wanted food or attention, he would make it known and relentlessly pursue his parents until they met his demands (again, spoiled).
He was a constant companion, a snuggler, a protector, an investigative reporter, a drain inspector, an accomplished snacker, a world champion napper, and a source of infinite amusement.
But most of all, he was a very good boy.
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| Rest easy, sweet boy |
