Today I Said Goodbye

Today I Said Goodbye

Today, I said goodbye to my best friend and a piece of my soul.

In 2012, I was struggling through some of the hardest times of my life. There were days when nothing seemed to help. One day, I decided to stop by my local shelter and see the pups. I saw a dog who just looked at me with these eyes that said I’m here for you. So, after a few days of convincing, I brought my mother and my grandmother to meet Lady. Lady must’ve known that she needed to convince my mom because when she was brought in, she immediately sat next to my grandmother and put her head on her lap. After that, there was nothing else to say.

So, on August 29, 2012, Lady came home with us.

Fast forward to today.

For the past year, Lady has been slowly declining in regards to her health. She lost her hearing and was getting startled by everything. Her tumor was getting bigger, and her cancer was spreading. Her appetite would come and go, and she was losing weight. She could no longer walk for more than 10 minutes. And leaving her at home for long periods was a no no. We would come home to accidents, and her stuck on the floor because she couldn’t get up.

Seeing her like this broke both Miguel’s and my hearts.

A week before Christmas, we went to her vet, who was very honest with us. She said that this was most likely her last holiday. She said even if we didn’t do anything Lady would continue to decline and she would live the rest of her life in pain.

So Miguel and I decided to make this a Christmas Lady would remember, surrounded by the people who loved her. Then, we would let her go to sleep with happy memories. I haven’t cried this much in my life.

A letter to Lady

My dear Lady Bug

Thank you for picking me. Thank you for knowing I needed you just as much as you needed me. You helped me become a stronger and better person. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

You taught me true patience and the real meaning behind unconditional love. Cuddling with you brought me so much peace, especially after a stressful day. You were the best road trip buddy. All those drives back and forth from Charleston to West Chester were always better with you. Thank you.

I love you so much. I feel like a piece of my soul has left me. I know I am going to struggle without you, but I know you are no longer in pain. You are at peace.

I’ll keep Lambchop company while you’re gone.

I love you, and I miss you so much already.

Watch over us. 🤍🐾