In Loving Memory of Malibu Vold
Malibu Vold — “Mali” to those lucky enough to know her — was not just a dog. She was a personality, a presence, and a heartbeat in the Vold household. From the moment her humans, Nate and Kylie first saw her in the pet store: bouncing fearlessly on top of the other puppies, they knew she wasn’t just defending herself — she was declaring who she was. Confident. Bold. Unapologetically herself.
Mali would become both caretaker and companion, setting the rhythm of daily life with the quiet authority only a dog like her could. There was no ignoring her 7:00 p.m. treat, the much beloved DentaStix — sharp, punctual, and non-negotiable — or her nightly walk with Nate. She was a creature of ritual, yet every habit she had became part of what made her feel like home.
To Kylie, Mali was a guardian through the hard moments — always there to lick away tears, to offer warmth, or to simply be. She taught what unconditional love really means: that it asks for so little and gives everything. To Nate, she was an adventure buddy, a reason to get outside, to move, to play. Together, they built a life around the kind of steady companionship that only grows stronger with time.
Mali’s circle was sacred. Her love was fierce, but it was earned — and if you were lucky enough to be inside that circle, you knew it. She adored her family: her parents, her grandparents Kris, Jason, Shelley, and Kyle, her Uncle Aaron (Taylor) and Cousin Cleo & Bowser, her Aunt Katie (Tyler) and Cousin Brooks, and a wide array of family and friends who always knew when Mali was in the room. She was kind and gentle with her little cousins, letting them pet her endlessly — unless they had food, of course. In that case, all bets were off.
She joins her Saint Bernard best friend, Ace along with Grandpa Brad, who surely welcomed her with love and treats on the other side.
Mali’s favorite things were simple and perfect: her toys (while they lasted), her walks, curling up on the footrest, sleeping under the covers, and sunbathing wherever the light touched the floor. She loved her bed, her snacks, and most of all... her people.
She may have had a stubborn streak and a strong sense of schedule, but those traits made her who she was — a dog with both a mind and a heart of her own. Malibu’s greatest gift was how deeply she loved, how she made her family feel chosen, and how she turned ordinary routines into something sacred.
Mali was more than loved. She was family — and she will always be.
