Their story begins like any other modern gay couple, through online dating. Justin saw Howard's profile and made the first move. They bonded over common interests and quickly knew they wanted to meet in person. They were both in places where falling in love was nearly an impossibility, but were just hoping to meet someone to pass the time. Justin had been a serial dater for over 10 years with nothing substantial to show for it and had all but given up on his chance at love. Howard, one day removed from Santa Barbara was still processing the loss of his late partner Brian and wasn't sure someone would accept that part of him. They were both taken by surprise at their attraction to each other and quickly learned that they each had what the other had been missing. They filled painful empty spaces in each others hearts and it wasn't long before they knew this was more than casual. The impact of their love for each other was immeasurable and as they say, the rest is history.
Howard is the child of Taiwanese immigrants making him a first generation Taiwanese- American. He was born in Fresno and spent most of his childhood in Temecula. He grew up with a fraternal twin named Hank and they made frequent visits to Taiwan to visit family. After high school he moved to Santa Barbara where he met his late partner Brian. After his passing Howard moved to San Diego for a fresh start where he met Justin. Howard is currently an ABA therapist specializing in children with autism ages 3 to 18. He is passionate about his work and loves seeing each of his kids grow and thrive under his care. In his free time he is an avid volleyball player and has joined the Out Loud Sports community for league play and has even competed in a tournament in Las Vegas. He enjoys video games, and spending time with his three dogs: Princess, Freya, and Biscuit.
Justin, the middle child of two sisters, was born in Davenport, Iowa. He grew up playing sports, working construction with his parents, and spending most weekends helping to keep up on the several rental properties the family owned. After high school he went off to college in Colorado, and was able to study abroad in Sydney, Australia. One failed relationship to another took him back to Iowa and then eventually led to him packing up everything he owned in his car and moving out to San Diego. His time there was short, as he got a job offer to work at Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas. A wanderer at heart he found himself longing for something new and landed in North Carolina, only to return to San Diego one year later. It was then he decided that San Diego would be home and he started to put down roots. He found a place in the queer sports community and started playing in several leagues and traveling for tournaments. When he met Howard he introduced him to the league and they quickly bonded over their active lifestyles and growing group of friends. Justin is currently working on getting his real estate license while focusing on his physical health and staying active by playing kickball, pickle ball, dodgeball, tennis, volleyball, and softball. He enjoys entertaining guests, cooking, reading, and of course loving his three fur babies: Princess, Freya, and Biscuit.
Princess, a maltese poodle mix, was a product of Howard & Brian's relationship where they rescued her from a shelter. Although she adjusted well to her "bonus dad" she will always be Howard's Princess. She is a grumpy, opinionated, and uninterested old lady keeping guard over the house.
Freya, their first addition to the family as a couple was found on craigslist. A purebred dachshund with a tiny price tag turned into a scary and expensive battle with Parvo, and an uncertainty of her true lineage. As unique as her multi colored eyes, she is a sweet and gentile soul, who functions as the peacekeeper of the house.
Bisky (aka. Biscuit) (aka. Biscuit Kreuger) garnered her name from the couples love for anime and was named after a Hunter x Hunter character. Brought into their home to give Freya a playful companion, she quickly made her presence known. A bulldozer and a monster she plowed her way into their hearts and always keeps them on their toes in true puppy fashion.