Buddy boy, being left behind without you is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. You knew my trust issues, and you helped me to trust something besides myself. That’s a vulnerability I never knew I was even capable of experiencing. I tried my best to make your end of life peaceful and comfortable. I beat myself up for mistakes that were made with that, and I promise you I will work on forgiving myself for that. Your happy years are what I’m clinging on to, and I can only hope you were happy until the end. Your mommas love you so very much, and our world has been shattered. We hope you’re enjoying endless bowls of water, peanut butter, and greenies. Thank you for fighting so hard for us. We hope you never felt like you were suffering. You’ll always be with us. Millie, Katie and Annie are sorting through this loss, and we are trying our best to get to a peaceful point with this. I’m sorry you heard me crying before you took your last breath. I didn’t want that to be the last thing you heard, because I know my tears were what you always wanted to calm during our many life changes together. You’ve been with me since you were 6 weeks old, and you always wanted to comfort me. I wanted to do the same for you, and I’m so sorry I failed. I want to get to a point where you see me how you always wanted me to be- happy and at peace. I will get there for you, buddy boy. Your family loves you dearly, and you’ll always be with us. I hope you’re at peace and happy with no more sickness or restrictions. We know we will see you again. I love you so so much. Thank you for your gift of love.

Tell us the ‘story’ of your pet: I did a lot of research of which types of breeds I could adopt. Which breed fit my personality and lifestyle best. I originally wanted a corgi, but couldn’t afford one. Fortunately, I “settled” with a Boston Terrier, and that was the greatest, most wonderful choice I could’ve made. I picked him out of a litter at 6 weeks old. He was the runt, the “discount boston” because his markings weren’t “up to par”. I couldn’t care less about that and scooped him up in my arms and never let go. From there our incredible journey together began. We went through so so many life changes together, and his loyalty never wavered. He saved my life, and I’m heartbroken that I couldn’t save his. He gave me peace when it was nowhere to be found. He’d make me smile when I felt like I’d never be able to smile again. He gave me the will to fight through and hang on because we needed each other. He was always so flexible through pretty constant chaos there for a while. He’d easily adapt to any situation, as long as he and I were together. He showed me a deeper meaning and a deeper understanding of love. He traveled with me through all my travel nursing gigs all over the U.S. He traveled each and every highway with me, and loved every single second. I have years and years of memories that I never want to forget. To experience his friendship and unconditional love is something I’ll always cherish and value. There’s a huge hole in our hearts as we sort through these emotions and loss, but we will get through it together, and buddy boy will be with us through it all. We hope he’s at peace and pain-free. Thank you for everything you gave us, buddy boy. We love you so very much, and hope you know that.