Okay, let me explain before you judge.
This all started when I found an old trunk in my grandma’s attic. Inside was a stack of yellowed photos, letters, and one unexpected surprise—a black-and-white picture of two dogs wearing little life vests… on what appeared to be the Titanic. I laughed, assuming it was just a prop or costume event. But tucked behind the photo was a note that read: “To my dearest Rosebud and Jack, who found love on the greatest ship of all time.”
I had questions.
With a little research (and some help from a Titanic enthusiast group online), I learned that there were actually twelve dogs on board the Titanic, and three survived. But according to family legend—one that my grandma had apparently never mentioned—two of those dogs were ours: a scrappy terrier named Jack and a regal spaniel named Rosebud. And yes, the story gets romantic.
As it goes, Jack and Rosebud were from different worlds. Rosebud belonged to a wealthy New York family in first class. She had a pink ribbon, a gold tag, and traveled in style. Jack? He was a rough-around-the-edges rescue riding in second class with a kind-hearted Irish musician. The two dogs reportedly met during evening strolls on the deck and became completely inseparable.
The crew noticed. Passengers noticed. There were even rumors that someone hosted a mini “dog wedding” in one of the lounges, complete with tiny hats and biscuits shaped like rings.
But the night the Titanic struck the iceberg, everything changed. Panic. Chaos. Lifeboats. Somehow, both dogs ended up in the same boat with their humans. And they survived. Together.
After the tragedy, Jack and Rosebud were adopted by the same family—my great-great-grandparents—and lived out the rest of their lives on a peaceful farm. Their love story was passed down quietly, tucked away until I uncovered it by accident.
So yes—dogs did make love on the Titanic. Not in the steamy, dramatic way you’re thinking, but in the purest, most tail-wagging kind of way. Two pups from opposite decks, brought together by fate and a really big boat.
And now? Their great-great-grandpup is curled up on my couch, snoring like he just got back from sea.
