Memorials

We invite you to submit photos, poems, stories, and other media of your pet.

Jackson

Yesterday we said goodbye to our sweet baby Jackson. Our hearts are broken. He was such a good boy and brought us joy every single day. We had the sweetest day with him the day before. We went on his favorite walk, saw some of his favorite people, and went on a truly amazing car ride. He also enjoyed some of his favorite treats. Over the last week, he enjoyed seeing some of his best dog friends and looking out our front door to protect our home. And lots and lots of cuddles with Mommy, Daddy, and Harvey.

Yesterday, we had the kindest doctor come to our house to help our baby get the relaxation he needs. We had such a gentle and peaceful experience and we are so thankful to them. We were able to hold and love our baby within the comfort of his own home.

We love him so much and know that love is endless.

Flash

Flash was the best cat we could have asked for and oh so loved by our family. He was independent and spontaneous but you could always count on him for snuggles when you needed them most. He was patient and loving with our young children and enjoyed relaxing on our front porch. Renal failure took him from us way too soon but know he is now resting peacefully.

Madame

Madame was my constant companion for almost all of my 20s and 30s. She ushered me through young adulthood, finding my husband, and becoming a mother. While she’s no longer with us, her loving memory will get us through all the future life changes ahead. We are so lucky that she lived to be 17 and that she chose us.

Idgie

Missy

My sweet Missy, I love you dearly and always will. It’s been you and I for 14 years and I am so grateful I was chosen to be your mommy. I miss you..we all miss you. You have a piece of my heart and I will love you always.

Love your Momma, G-Ma, G, PJ, Ginger, and Leo

Nube (pronounced Noobay. It means Cloud in Spanish)

Nube had as much personality as a human being. He was loving, annoying, vocal, affectionate, needy, sensitive, and a mediator. He always went between all the people in the room to give us the pleasure of his company. If I was in the house, he generally insisted on being on top of me unless he was visiting someone else. I miss him terribly.

Charlie

Louise

Sweet Louise- I miss the click clack of my girl’s toes across the floor and her loud snoring every night. She was right beside me for over 20 years and was a part of my soul. She waited patiently for me every day at the front window; sometimes even on Saturday as she progressed into her old age. We would have to remind her we were home. She was such a funny, quirky old lady. I adored this lovely spitfire of a dog. She stole the hearts of anyone she chose to take an interest in. We will love you forever my beautiful girl.

Coach

Heaven gained another Angel! Coach almost made it to his 15 Birthday! He loved to eat it was his favorite part of the day. He loved swinging on the porch swing and that is where he took his last breath. He was the best friend a person could ask for. He made me a better person. RIP sweet Coachie! It’s not goodbye but see you later!! Love Momma, Daddy, sissy & Brother!!

Chewy

I got Chewy when I was 20 years old, living in my first apartment. And for 12 years, he was a partner to me. Wherever I was, Chewy was right underfoot. He was there when I met the love of my life through the death of my mother, and he was there to welcome my first child home.
I named Chewy for his love of chewing on things, not because I’m an overly obsessed Star Wars fan. He would chew on everything! Belt buckles, cabinet knobs, and the dog’s dog tags. He enjoyed the taste of metal things the most, I guess.

As the years went on, Chewy grew older and older. We guess he was around 19 years old. I would like to think I helped make the last 12 good ones. He helped me in the garden by keeping mice away. And always came in to keep guard while I took a shower. And if I needed help finding the perfect sunbeam spot in the house, he was sure to be there.

My heart is so sore with him now gone. My home is too quiet. I don’t trip nearly as much. I miss my friend. But I know he has found the peace that is without pain. For that, I’m forever thankful. Though my heart is broken, I’ll carry the memories of that little black cat with me forever.

Rest easy, baby.

Piglet

Thank you Dr. Bidwell for helping our beloved Piglet cross over the rainbow bridge. We are grateful for your compassionate care. Click here to watch Piglet’s memorial video.

Rusty

Rusty (“Bub”) was a one of a kind and a huge part of our lives for nearly 15 years. Our hearts are so heavy without him but we are thankful for the many wonderful years that he brought to us and the joy that he created. The muddy paw prints that were once on the kitchen floor are forever imprinted on our hearts. He will be forever missed.

Lulu

Lulu was a sweet and gentle giant. Her absence leaves a painful hole in my heart. I will always love and miss her.

Kiley Belle

Oh, my sweet Kiley Belle. Our gentle giant. You are missed far more than words can say. We cherish every memory we have of you. You had the most loving and loyal spirit. How blessed we were to rescue you when we did. You never met a stranger, and you made this world a better place just by being in it. I hold you in my heart, sweet girl. Until we meet again…

Lucy

6/30/2005 – 6/20/2021

I have lost part of my heart and soul that can never be replaced. My constant companion that gave me fulfillment when my life was at it’s worst and at it’s best. She was my person and I was hers. I hope you are running free again and have no pain. Will see you again, my love, on the other side! A void now exists in my life, but will treasure your memory forever.

Harley

On a hot August day in 2006, Harley followed me across a parking lot to my car. After a few moments and meows, I scooped her up and brought her home. From day one, she followed us from room-to-room, always wanting to be in our laps, beside us, or in the middle of everything. We celebrated holidays and birthdays with her. For 15 years, Harley filled our home and hearts with love.

And now, we have this incredible sadness… we miss you Harley and and we love you.

SPOOKY

SPOOKY ,I will never forget you. You chosen me to take care and love you. You was there when I was at my lowest. Seem to know my emotion. I miss you Spooky.
Love mom

Novia

My sweet Girlfriend, losing you has gutted me. In your final weeks, I kept finding myself thinking “this is so unfair,” before reminding myself that I have never believed in a world that promises fairness. But you deserved to be exempt from that, and I guess I believed you would be. Thank you for loving me and being such an amazing companion. I miss you completely.

Eli

Eli was our best buddy for 15 years. He had the biggest heart and was always a gentleman–even when surrounded by little kids who always wanted to give him a hug. We miss him terribly.

Rascal

Rascal, one of our first fosters, was a real life rascal. He was special to us for 14 yrs. We miss you, handsome boy. In our hearts forever.

Mallory

We adopted this sweet baby at 10 years old from a shelter where she was surrendered by her owner! Apparently, her neurological issues were too much for the owner. Mallory lived in our home for two years and thrived with our other three dogs. I have adopted, fostered, and volunteered in shelters for over forty years, and this pup was hands down the sweetest I had ever met! Loved everybody and everything! Run free sweet girl, you are missed so much!

Radar

10/22/2007 – 6/28/2021
Saying goodbye to our sweet, loving Radar was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. Radar was a kind soul who loved everyone he ever met. His gentle spirit and fun-loving presence will be greatly missed. Fly High Sweet Boy 💙

Pepper

For almost 19 years Pepper brought us joy with his loyal companionship. He made us smile and laugh with his silly antics. We miss you sweet Pepper. Rest in peace.

Hundley

Hundley chose us for his family one spring day in 2014. I took our oldest daughter, who was 6 at the time, to a pet adoption event at Petsmart “just to look.” She went straight to his cage and said, “I want this one mommy!” I looked into the kennel and saw a scruffy and sad looking lab/hound mix. I said, “Let’s keep looking honey. It says he’s 5-6 years old. Don’t you want a puppy instead?” Before we could leave, a volunteer let him out. My daughter sat down on the floor with him, and he laid his head in her lap. With all the noise of the other dogs at the event, Hundley waited there quietly, just happy to be petted and certain that he had found his forever family. “Just to look” turned into 7 years of lots of treats, belly rubs, comfy naps on beds and trips to the beach. He was the gentle companion my children loved on, and he watched them like a hawk if they were playing outside. I think we were the only people who gave him a fair shot in life. He’d never been brushed before or had a bath. I think he had scavenged for food before he ended up in a kill shelter. At some point in his early life he had been tied tightly by a rope, judging from the permanent scar around his neck. His ear was torn and he limped from an old injury. Despite all of this, he had perfect manners on the leash and was a loving soul. He demanded his breakfast and dinner loudly, right up to the end even as the oral cancer was spreading and making eating difficult. I’m so glad we didn’t pass him by that day at Petsmart. I’m so glad he somehow knew we were the people for him. Letting him go was so very hard, but we will always remember and miss him.

Ginny

While I have not eaten animals for 30+ years, I was not an “animal” person until I adopted my Ginny, my puppy soulmate, from BARK 10 years ago. She was my little partner when we tabled for the Vegetarian Society and for Humane Investing for many years and was even the mascot for my “Divest from companies that exploit animals” campaign. I did not mind going anywhere as long as she was by my side. Ginny was a funny little girl and everyone smiled when we ran as she did not look like a stereotypical runner. I told her when I said goodbye that if I could make half as many people smile as she did in her short life, I would be happy. Here she is on Saturday right before she left us.

Oreo

Brindy

You were the best dog I ever had and will miss you every day until I see you again💔

Ziggy

Ziggy was voted The Top Cat of Richmond in 2020. This was through a contest with Richmond Magazine. They had previously had a Top Dog contest, Ziggy was the first Top Cat. He has had his own Facebook Group since he was a kitten. He had people voting for him from all over the world. These same people have been our support group, praying for Ziggy through his illness, and for me when I made the decision to let him go. I thank Dr. Chris and everyone at Lovingkindness for their compassion and care. I miss him so much, but I have lots of memories and photos, and I’m taking one day at a time.

Jules

We had to say goodbye to our sweet old Jules on Monday. She lived a healthy 14 years, as blissful as they get. We’ll miss her howl, her extraordinary gift for licking pots clean, her incessant shedding (maybe not). We’ll miss her unlimited affection, most of all.

Til we meet again on the rainbow bridge, Jules. The yard’s too big without you. We love you. 💔

Milo

How lucky we were to have you in our family for 16 years. May heaven have lots of sunny spots for you to curl up and take a nap. We miss you every day. Love you forever, Mi.

Marigold

Our sweet Marigold…”MG” … as I planted Marigold flowers in one of our first gardens 13 years ago, you came into our life. Running around me and the flowers and the dirt was flying! You fit in immediately with your dog pack and became her dog to our little girl Vena. Memories full of your sweet nature, independent ways, and “junkyard” antics will always bring a smile to our faces and love to our hearts. Safe travels on your daily walks sweet Marigold. We will be listening for you.

Zoey

The name Zoey means “life”. And that is what she gave me the best life ever with her in it! I was in love with Zoey from the first time I met her at the Pet Smart rescue event. She was standing right out front of the store just waiting for me. I bent down to pet her, she licked my face and I was hooked. She came home with me that day. My life from that day on became so much richer because she was in it. She was the best dog I’ve ever had. We had a unbreakable bond. I am grateful to have known her. And I am grateful to Zoey for choosing me and giving me the honor of being her friend. 12 years was not enough, but that is what we had and they were the best 12 years of my life because of Zoey. I have wonderful memories to carry me forward. You hold a special place in my heart forever Zoey. I love you always my baby girl.

Kasey

Kasey came into our lives when she was 10 weeks old and spent her 14 years loving everyone. Kasey loved giving kisses to anyone who got close enough. She loved laying in the way and standing up as you stepped over her. She would always lay between mom and the door, as if to say you have to go through me first. She went with mom to work and befriended the entire office. Kasey left a Kasey sized hole in our hearts and will forever be missed.

Apache

French Poet Anatole France said ‘until one has loved a animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened”. My world has changed forever, There will Never be another like you my sweet 4-legged compainion Apache<3 Your dedication to me over your 13 years was truly a blessing. I will miss my garden buddy, your “voice’ always talking about something, lol, Being able to wrap my arms around your neck and telling you how much Momma loves you. A True companion in every since of the word, I believe that we will see each other again one day and play basketball once again…. Love you 4-EVER “Poot”, Momma

Hank

Hank, my rock, my best friend, my always ready to listen, Buddy. I will miss you more than you can imagine. I am so sorry I could not save you from cancer. I only hope you never felt pain.

Run free, sweetie…til I see you again!!

Rocky

From crazy puppy to Master hunter to sweet old man, you warmed our hearts for 15yrs. You lived to retrieve EVERYTHING! Birds, bumpers, bubbles, and your hedgehog, it didn’t matter. Every party we threw, you thought was for you. You loved your humans, and it was so easy to fall in love with you. Thank you for making our house a home and our family so much richer. You will be forever missed. Rest easy sweet Roo❤️

Zoey

Zoey was such a sweetheart on the inside, while sounding tough sometimes with her deep bark. She was so funny — playing “whack-a-mole” with any rope toy, whipping it furiously and hitting herself in the process. Sometimes she would sit back on her rump and use her back legs to scratch the backs of her front legs — hard to describe but hilarious to witness. She had many nicknames: Zo-dog, Zo-beast, Zoey-rat, ZoZo. She struggled in the end with mobility challenges and canine cognitive disorder and we would have done anything to keep her going longer, but we are so blessed that we had nine years and one month past the date the shelter was going to euthanize her. Rest in peace, sweet Zoey — you are forever in our hearts.

Caesar

He held on to the very end, walking to the door every day to greet me as I woke up in the morning and arrived from work, even though his body was slowly betraying him. He kept trying to eat even when it was hard for him, because I would kindly ask him to try to eat a little more. He was a stubborn cat and loved life. He was not a friendly cat by nature, but always knew when something was troubling me. Like when I lost my job, my business, lost my brother & other times. He was an indoor cat, but his last moments were outside in the grass where he always loved to explore, as the vet pulled up to my house. He passed peacefully & painlessly in his home, because I promised him I would never take him in a car ride again.

Duke

Our sweet Duke, our son’s constant companion. We’ll never forget you.

Peggy

Sweetest girl- we miss you and love you. Rest easy ❤

Lucky

Lucky was patient with all the crazy animals we’ve had. She was easy going and loyal. I know we’re not supposed to have favorite children but I did. She was my favorite.

Denali

Denali, there are no words to describe how much you will be missed and what a perfect dog you were. 11 years still didn’t seem long enough, but we’re thankful you aren’t in pain anymore. We hope doggy heaven has snow storms just for you. Love you always

Murphy

SOMEONE ONCE SAID that having a good dog brings you years of joy and happiness, and companionship, followed by a single day of crushing anguish and sorrow; and after that, weeks of unbearable grief and prolonged mourning.

They were right.

Click here to read full memorial.

Zoey

This is my beautiful Zoey. I miss her so much but I do have beautiful memories. It just hurts right now.

Abby

Abby will always be remembered as the sweetest and most loyal best friend a family could ever ask for. She has made such an imprint on our hearts, she will be loved by us forever. Her angel will walk beside us always. We love you Abby! Forever and always.

Ella May

This is Ella May when she first came into my life at 5 weeks old. She was my faithful companion and protector for over 14 years. She had a big personality and was very sassy. The two things she loved most were food and her friends. She will be greatly missed.

Cookie

This is my beautiful little Cookie. She was with me for 16 years and kept me company after my children left home. My house is so quiet and empty now. She was a very affectionate cat and would either lay next to me or lay on me if I was on the sofa or bed. If I had to be away for a day or two, when I got home, she would follow me around like a little dog. I am absolutely devastated at her loss. She will forever be in my heart.

Banjo

Banjo (The Banj, Banjy, fella) was the sweetest boy and he will be missed so so much. I had him for 12 years but I wish it could have been forever. He loved food, snuggles, and sunbeams. Food most of all. He helped me through some really hard times and I will forever be grateful. Your daddy, your sisters, your grandparents, and I will miss you so much Banj. I hope I see you again one day but in the meantime I will look for you in all the sunbeams.

Ikaika

You were so loved. And now greatly missed. As you crossed over the rainbow Bridge just know that you rescued us. Not the other way around. You were an amazing boy and can’t wait to see you again. You were the best behaved and the most loving baby. Your the best and sorely missed. Love you dude.

Baxter

Baxter will forever be in my heart! He was so playful and loving I couldn’t have been more lucky to have had him in my life. This was him when he was a baby with his favorite toy. I spent many years checking the puppy section in any store I was in to try and replace it after we misplaced the second Mr. Beaver toy. Anything for my little man! I love you my sweet Bax!

Bebe

Bebe was the sweetest girl, since the day she stepped into our house. The memory of her way of just flopping into my lap, like she was doing a trust fall, will forever be one of the sweetest memories. She was always kind and loving to her pet siblings, very social and trusting with humans outside of the family too. She graced us with 16 years of unconditional love and companionship, and we count ourselves incredibly lucky for it. Rest peacefully, sweet Bebe.

Piper

Piper was a loyal and loving dog. We grew up together and navigated through life together. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. He was home for me no matter where we went or lived.

Bella

We got Bella in 2016 so we didn’t have as much time with her but she was a great cat. She wasn’t fond of playing or being picked up but could be counted on for cuddles and head bonks.

Alice

On January 11th we said goodbye to our fur baby Alice. She was the most caring, loyal, loveable being – she touched so many peoples’ lives with her sweetness. RIP my dear baby girl. We will miss you and will love you until the day we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge. Xox ❤️🙏🌈

Sissy

We rescued Sissy when she was 12. She had been abandoned in a drug house without food, water, or air conditioning. She was dying and wasn’t supposed to live two months but she thrived with us for almost four years. She was a once in a lifetime gift. She was cherished. She was loved. She left this world peacefully, wrapped in our arms and in her favorite blanket.

Hershey Bear

Hershey Bear was a 140lb Rottweiler we purchased from an Amish farm in Pennsylvania back in November of 2014. At that time we were going through some huge life changes of ending military service, new careers, and moving to Virginia. My son was just about to turn 5 and I thought it was a good time for a pet. I never had pets growing up but loved Rottweiler dogs for some reason. Hershey Bear was a rascal. He was smart, energetic and loving. He had his own personality, and facial expression that made us laugh. He saw us through 3 houses and a few month lay over at my parents as we took care of them post surgery. Hershey comforted me through a miscarriage and loved on my two new babies when they came. Hershey loved his big brother Brandon and would welcome him home from school every day. Hershey loved to give daddy kisses and he was mommy’s baby pup. He followed me everywhere, laid at my bed, cuddled with me on the couch and waited patiently every day for our walks. When I was pregnant people used to gasp at my belly and big dog walking in all weather. Hershey loved other dogs, he didn’t care if they barked at him or carried on, he just wanted to play. I always felt a level of protection with Hershey Bear around. After his passing I wonder what will happen if there is ever a fire or a burglar. He’s not here to alert me. Hershey was the talk of the neighborhood sitting on the front porch overlooking the yard. He loved trips to Home Depot, the beach, hiking trails and anywhere he could roam and sniff. He loved chasing balls and when he was young he tried to catch the deers but never quite could. His loss to our family is significant, heartbreaking and heavy. We loved him dearly and will miss him until we see him in Heaven. We love you Hershey Bear and will remember you always. There will never be a Poochie like you.

Seamus

Seamus, you curmudgeon, we love you, we miss you ❤️

Winston

He was a rag-tag, matted, fence-jumping rescue cat when we welcomed him 12 years ago. He led us on many a “merry” chase, but in the end, he was sleeping on my pillow and serving as my morning alarm clock. We miss him so much. I know we will never stop grieving for him.

Kiwi

Kiwi (or fondly known as OG Fat Fat….he was 22lbs at one point) was with our family for 17 years. Every single pet we have ever had was brought in (and three were lovingly led out) with our little chunk butt. He was the cat that all our cat-hating friends loved. He loved belly rubs and toe rubs…..any rubs. He was the one to break our rescue pittie of his cat aggression (they became inseparable friends over the six years they knew each other), and he was one of the first pets I was lucky enough to share with my stepson and husband. He will be sorely missed but always remembered.

Javi

Rest In Peace to Javi, a spunky, loving little guy until the end. He blessed this planet and my family for almost 18 years with his sweet presence and gentleman-like charm. He truly was a big playful dog trapped in a small dog’s body. Javi, you are already so missed. 💜

Nala

Nala… You always were the sweetest-natured kitty. We had 17+ years together and loved having you as part of the family. Sending you off now with a light heart and our love.

Momo

Momo, you were my sweet little lady. You lived your life with a quiet, peaceful disposition, content and happy to just be yourself. You loved being in my lap, sharing your warmth. I’d give anything to sit and hold you again. I hope you feel just as at ease now as you did here with me. I love you always.

Hobbes

One January, over 16 years ago, I scooped up a 10 week old feral kitten out of the snow, brought him home with me to my “first place,” named him Hobbes, and watched him grow to become the most affectionate house cat you’d ever come across. I’ve had people comment “Boy, you can tell that cat really loves you.” It’s mighty high praise to be so outwardly loved by a cat that other people notice. For all the love he gave me, I returned it just as much. He was my baby boy (even at age 16). He has been with me for nearly my entire adult life and now I really have to learn what my life looks like without him in it. I look forward to the time when joy of the memories out stripes the pain of the loss, but I will love him and miss him forever and always.

Pepe

Rest easy, sweet Pepe. Even since we brought you home in 2006, you were the best cuddle buddy, ice cream thief, and conversation companion. We love you and miss you.

Cache

I love all of my fur babies but Cache was probably my favorite dog ever. Just a gentle giant. He caught everyone’s attention when ever we took him out. Some would run because of his giant size, others would ask if they could take a picture of him/with him. His bark was loud and deep (like echoed in our quiet neighborhood) but I assure you, he was the biggest lover and probably wouldn’t hurt a fly. Always wanted to be by his humans. He lived for cookies/treats, steak and pizza nights. Your life was cut short, but we made the best of it. Run free my boy. We will see you again one day buddy. Until then, love you my hammy ❤

Bailey

Our sweet Bailey girl blessed my husband and I with over 11 years of her presence. She was the sweetest and most gentle lab. She brought joy to everyone she met with her Eeyore like demeanor and calmness. I could not watch her you suffer even for a day. We are sad that our new little one didn’t get to meet you in August but thankful for the time we had together.

Max

Max, you came into our lives at 12wks old and you gave us 13 wonderful years of unconditional love and being a great brother to Coco. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog to walk by side for all those years. It just wasn’t long enough and I miss you deeply. You never met a stranger and loved everyone. You will forever live in hearts.

Spader

We got Spader at 9 weeks old and loved him until the end, just short of 15 years. He loved us, his two dog brothers, taking walkies, and sitting in the warm sun enjoying himself like Ferdinand the bull. He had so much personality and heart. We’ll miss him dearly.

Basil

He was a rescue and a wild boy. We spent 13.5 years together. He went to 30-some states with me, watching my back and always keeping things interesting. He’ll be dearly missed but can now run without a tether.

Blizzard

The Rainbow Bridge gained another furbaby; Blizzard made it to 13 and that, in itself, was a huge feat for a polar bear this size. No more barking at leaf ninjas; no more chasing deer off the property; no more slobber-skating on our kitchen floor; no more barreling through baby-gates to escape the big-bad-thunder; she left a huge hole in our hearts and we miss her so much already; Now go baby girl – go chase all the deer you want!! RIP baby girl, November 19, 2008-November 22, 2021.

Murphy

They were right.

My Lab Murphy was a good dog, and although he was occasionally strong-willed, aggravating, and stubborn as Labs are prone to be, he was always ready to please, always ready to play, or go for a walk, or go for a ride, or just be with Maggie and me. He’d lay at her feet and watch TV with us, and woe to any other dog that might appear on the screen, for he’d chase them away with a barrage of fearsome barks. If perchance you came to the house, Murph would welcome you with a wagging tail and a submissive posture, and you would swear he was smiling – happy because you were there. He loved people, but he loved Maggie most. Wherever she was, that’s where you would find Murphy.

With heavy hearts, we had to send Murphy Home today, and I felt the crushing weight of anguish and sorrow I knew would come. Cancer and edema had claimed him. Weeks before, he had part of a lung removed due to a cancerous mass, a laryngeal tie-back to relieve his labored breathing and a bone biopsy on his left hind leg that also proved to be cancerous. I wanted to believe that medical science could repair him, but they could not.

When his hind legs swelled to twice their size, the vet said his lymph nodes weren’t doing their job and recommended laser and massage therapy. I thought it would work. I wanted it to work, and I would have given anything to make it work, and for a brief time, it seemed to have the desired effect. But it was not enough, and the vet said to keep him as comfortable as possible. It was a phrase that put a dagger through my heart. It meant only one thing. There was nothing we could do for him. His lungs were taking on fluid, once more making it hard for him to breathe. The vet said he had about two weeks before he suffocated.

The selfish part of me did everything I could to keep him around. I sought out 2nd and 3rd opinions and spent whatever I had to spend in order to fix him. Why? Because he was still my dog. Still my Murphy … bright, alert, and playful at nearly fourteen years old. But his hind legs were useless, and his front legs were arthritic. He was suffering, but being a Lab, he did not show it. If they could have fixed him, I would have spent thousands more to pay for any procedure that would help him, but no amount of money could save my boy.

I finally stopped fooling myself. Murphy suffered through it all without as much as a whimper. He endured a bevy of pain, and I needed to be man enough to do the same for him. We found a vet that came to the house to euthanize him at home.

Home, where he felt loved and safe and unafraid. And I felt like Judas.

I know it was the right thing to do for him, relieve the suffering he refused to show. So why does doing the right thing hurt so damn much?

The vet took Murphy’s body with her for cremation – and I broke down.

“She has my dog,” was all I remember saying as she pulled away with Murphy. It finally hit me what I had done. Tears washed down my face, and I sought to be alone. I watched the many videos I had of Murphy—videos of when he was young, and strong … and full of life.

My God, how I miss him.

Honor your pet.

Submit the form below to see your beloved pet’s memorial on our website. If you’re not sure how to memorialize your pet, RemembeRing has provided some thoughtful ideas. Click here to read about them.