Lost My Best Girl Athena

I am not sure if I can this here so please point me in the right direction and I’ll remove it.

A short story of my time with the best girl: Back in 2016, I was serving in the Air Force and went on my first deployment. Shortly after I got back whilst I was on R&R, my best friend called me saying he found a Breeder that breeds Malinois. Some background, I was a young dog handler and Mals are the main dogs we train with. I was super excited as I wanted a buddy to be with me and was going through a bout of depression after my deployment. I went to go see her when she was two weeks of age and instantly fell in love. She was the sweetest baby and I knew she was the one. She was my soul dog.

A few weeks later the Breeder called me saying he needed us to pick the pups up sooner due to lack of space on his ranch. I took her back with me at six weeks. I know that’s way too early but I’m glad I made the choices I did. She was with me from England to Japan then Louisiana and now Texas. She has always been there with me every step of the way and having to navigate life without her feels impossible. She was there before my wife. She was there in my lowest moments. I lay here asking myself “where did 10 years go?” This all feels like a fever dream. She was the best girl.

The last week or so she just wasn’t being herself. She would still want to play frisbee with me but I noticed her energy levels were declining. I found a vet to see her before the holiday and got terrible news. Her spleen and liver were enlarged and her gallbladder had hardened. After 12+ hours in the ER I decided to keep her home and do an at home euthanasia. I chose her favorite spot in the backyard where she would sunbathe and chill. I didn’t go with surgery because it would’ve been too much on her body. When she was 6/7 I had to get her a blood transfusion because her platelets were low then as well. A blood transfusion on top of an invasive surgery that wasn’t likely to solve the issue was too much on my girl. I wanted her to pass with dignity and peace. Not the way she was the past few days.

My mind was playing tricks on me. I took her on one last truck ride and for a brief moment, I got my old Athena back. I thought I was making the wrong choice for a moment but I know I didn’t. If roles were reversed, she’d want what’s best for me too. For her last meal, I grilled her a nice thick ribeye steak with some bacon and pumpkin purée. She used her last bit of energy to play frisbee with dad one last time. I am heartbroken beyond belief. I miss you babygirl!

Thank you for reading and apologies for the grammatical errors. Dehydrated and in tears typing this. Much love to you all!

ETA: Been three months since that fateful day and I’m still in a lot pain. I miss my girl so much. Hard navigating life without her.

My best friend Wendell, my life, my sweet boy passed yesterday. He was a racer in Tijuana for 4 years before we found each other. I couldn’t be home last night and just got back to my place and broke down and sobbed. I am totally devastated. I don’t know how to go on or what to do.

He was my entire life and purpose for 6.5 years. Everyday he was with me and I with him. The thousands of miles we walked together. The adventures. The times where he was sick. The times where he was not sick. The cuddle times. The things I went through but he was there. The naps. His joy. The joy he brought to others. His shoes. His energy. How sweet he was.

The world is much darker without his light in it. He will never be with me or I with him ever again. He is dead. Regardless of our memories and experiences together I will never see him again. My sweet boy and best friend are gone forever. I literally do not know what to do with myself.

My home is silent and heartless without him. I will miss him with excruciating sadness. Just needed to share. Thank you for reading.

Never in my life could I imagine a pain so deep. I miss my Q so badly. I adopted him when he was about 8 years old, and was lucky enough to spend about 10 years with him. He was my best friend and he made everything better. I miss his smell, I miss the sound of his sniffs in my ear, I miss his smile, the way he put his head on me. Seeing him curled up on my bed. Everything feels so empty. I feel sick. He was always right there loving me through everything. Nothing feels right, he was such a huge presence and huge part of my life. His little stomps when he was begging me for food.. now eating doesn’t even feel right. I’m so heart broken.

I knew it was his time though, and Friday 10/2/2026 he crossed the rainbow bridge. It was only a few days before that he was taken to the vet because we noticed his belly looked a bit swollen. We were told it was his heart failing, and it was too late. Humane euthanasia was the best option. I was in denial. I wanted a second opinion, to try meds, anything! Over the couple days passing I saw it. He declined so fast. Could hardly walk or even hold his head up by Friday. He wasn’t him anymore I saw it in his eyes.

I feel so bad for him and I feel so awful. What if I took him sooner and got him help. I work a lot and hadn’t been home as much in the last month. He had bad separation anxiety. All I keep thinking to myself is what if I was home more? Was he sick and scared? Was in pain that entire time? Did his anxiety make his heart bad? He never showed any symptoms ever! He always seemed so happy and energetic right until the end…

I don’t know what to do with myself.

Edit: We chose at home euthanasia. I was so scared for him, but it’s truly the only thing bringing me some peace. He took his last breath in my arms, and went so gently. The woman was truly an angel and made sure Q was so relaxed and pain free.

One year ago today was my last day with Duke. It's so hard to believe he's been gone that long even though the days without him creep slowly. I miss him so darn much!

Dukie likely had a stroke that last morning, but even so, he fought to make it a regular day. He was off balance and stumbling and still wanted to go outside to walk, still wanted to pick up his toys, still wanted to kiss my tears away.

I kept praying it was a bout of vertigo...old man's syndrome. But by late that night all he could do was lift his head and I knew... When I asked Duke if it was time, his eyes told me he was ready.

There was no way for me to carry him to my car and I called the fire department at the corner. Five or six firefighters all lifting Duke in his great big bed and carrying him out the door and down the sidewalk is a picture I'll never forget. They placed the bed gently in the back seat and waited with him while I got my things and settled Emma. I still cry easily when I think about that honor walk for Duke...he deserved everything and more.

We arrived at the same hospital Emma goes every month for her injection...Duke only knew it as an ER. But he was brave...even kissing me as they wheeled him in the door...and again as I lay on the floor next to him in his bed. He was ready and no matter how much I wasn't, I had to do it for him.

It's been a hard year and I've cried more than any year I can remember. Big cries and sleepless nights. Emma doesn't believe in kisses...Dukie never missed a tear.

Dukie, I miss you so much!!! You were such a good boy!! I still sleep with your favorite toy and will love you forever. Thank you for being my Goober, my Buddy, my boy. Please come and visit me when you can.

I love you Duke... always with all my heart! ❤️💔🐾

I’ve known Baisy ever since my neighbors (he sweetest couple) moved in years ago. She was the kindest dog I’ve ever met, and I’m grateful for all the memories with her. They moved away about a year ago because of financial issues, but planned on coming back to Arizona once things settled.

We stayed in touch, and recently my dad told me that Baisy passed away. I was completely shocked. she still seemed so young. I reached out to them to offer support. Even if they aren’t living here anymore, they’ll always feel like my neighbors to me.

Desi passed away July 27, 2026. I adopted him May 12, 2018. It was the best 2,999 days of my life. He was the sweetest little boy in the world. He loved everyone, he even loved going to the vet. His vet would have trouble hearing his heart because he purred so loud. He loved car rides, he loved turkey, sunbathing, and playing with his worm wand toy. But he loved me more than anything in this world. Every single part of my life was ingrained with him. I truly don’t know where I ended and he began. We were intertwined. He looked at me with complete unconditional love. He always wanted to be touching, laying together. I never deserved him. I am completely lost, I feel like my life ended when his did. I find it nearly impossible to go on without him. I hope more than anything I will get to see him again when the suffering through life without him ends. I don’t want him to ever be forgotten.

I knew I was going to miss him terribly...he was my boy. I didn't know that a year later I'd still be crying this much and hurt even more. He was my boy and my heart aches for him.

I really need him to visit me...it feels like he's just gone and I know he's out there somewhere.

Please tell me how do I get Duke to visit? My heart is shattered and I need my boy. 💔❤️🐾

My sweet, silly Luna Baby 💔 it's been one year without you. It feels like you have been gone so long, but the pain still feels like yesterday we said goodbye.

I hope you are eating lots of cheese, and frozen milk, your favorite. I miss you constantly and think of you all the time.

I hope whenever you are you are happy and know I'd never leave you 💔🖤

I miss you everyday 🪽🪽❤️❤️😞😞

She was brought to me as an infant, the only survivor of a nest brought down by a storm in July, 2020. Keeping her alive, learning all about squirrels, cured me of a deep depression. She overwintered with me, but when warmer weather finally came, we ventured out to learn all about the great backyard.

She never really left, although she built a nest in a tree near the shed. She built another, actually two, inside, which she preferred. The hawks and owls scared her, but she learned to heed the warning calls, and to give her own for the scurry always present. Inside, I put up shelves, and brought in limbs, and she was able to run, and sploot on high, looking out the cathedral windows.

She had her favorite spots in the garden, and loved to dig into the pots filled with flowers. She learned to trick us by pretending to bury nuts in our presence, only to disappear and find a hidden place for her stash.

She would climb high in the dogwood, and sleep shaded by the maple. But she always appeared at the window by 9:00.

After six years, she became ill, slow and pained when moving. I couldn’t save her. She spent her last hours as she spent her first, being held and loved.

It hurts; I have never felt such a connection, just a pure feeling, as I had with her.

She was only 7 and it happened so suddenly. Sena (my husky) had pyometra 9 days ago and had to get spayed. The operation went well, she was lively and everything seemed fine.

Until Thursday night. Me, my brother and our girlfriends were downstairs playing cards, Sena jumped on the couch next to me and was being super affectionate. As we were playing she placed her head on my shoulder. I was so engrossed in our game I thought nothing of it. But she never does that, that was the first sign.

Into our game I lean forward and her head slips off my shoulder behind my back. I replay that moment so many times it breaks my heart. After about 5 minutes she lets out a cry. We all turn. We can see she’s in pain as she slowly collapses. I panic and so does everyone. My instincts are running wild “check her pulse, do cpr, put her on the floor” I pick her up and tell my brother to start the car. In my panic I thought if I get her to the emergency vets (it’s 9pm) things will be fine.

As I approach the car Sena urinates on me so I place her in the boot. I see she’s not breathing I think to myself “do CPR” but I convinced myself if I get her to the vets quick enough she will be fine. My brother gives me the keys and my girlfriend is already in the back waiting. I just take off without a second thought. A minute into the drive I think to myself “why the fuck have I put my dog in the boot” I pull over take her out and give her to my girlfriend in the back as tell her to do her best and provide CPR.

In the end it took around 10 minutes to reach the vets. I was too late she had already died and they couldn’t revive her despite their efforts.

I replay and replay events in my head so much it makes my heart ache. Why didn’t my brother drive, why didn’t I try CPR, why why why. The vets suggest a post-mortem examination to determine what caused her death but I wanted to bury her body in my garden but that wouldn’t be an option if she got an exam.

I spent a day thinking on it while I left her body at the vets and I couldn’t bare the idea of waiting 1-2 weeks for results that wouldn’t change the fact she’s dead. The decision gave me comfort. I took her body home from the vets and toiled away digging her grave with my brother. It was so painful seeing her cold lifeless body in our garden but that garden was filled with so many memories and it was where she grew up.

I’m happy about choosing to bury her as I feel some closure but I’ll never get the answers as to why.

I can’t think, my head hurts, I’m in agony and I want nothing more than to see her again and be with her. I have so much support around me but my emotions are so overwhelmed that I want to sleep and never wake up again. I miss her so much. I knew this day would come but not like this. I’m crying writing this but I needed to let it out, it gives me comfort knowing I’m not alone in the way I feel and people all around the world feel the way I do. But it’s not easy. It’s excruciating. I blame myself. I blame the world. I love you Sena. My wonderful companion. I will see you again.

Both my piggies died within 2 weeks of each other.

I really miss them...

I miss hearing their squeaking in the morning...

I never thought I'd miss my little potatos this much....

I am not ok.

Shadow was everything to me. He was abandoned by his mother at 3 days old, I took him in & bottle fed him until he was old enough to eat, he continued to follow me around hence his name, I ended up taking him in full time. He was the sweetest, most peaceful cat ever, the nicest cat I've ever met, he's been with me basically my whole adult life up until this point.. 4 different houses, several different relationships, several jobs, several vehicles.. Shadow was the only stable consistent thing in my life & now he's gone. I don't know what to do with myself, I figured writing this & honoring his memory will help me grieve, if only a little. I love you & miss you.

Rosie crossed the rainbow bridge today. No more special food - you can eat anything you want now, even bones.
No more medication or doctor visits - you can chase squirrels all day if that’s what you want to do. You can sleep all day if it makes you happy.
You don’t have to worry about me anymore and pretend you’re happy when I know you’re really not. Now you can finally be yourself and do everything you couldn’t do before.
I love you; you’ll always be in my mind and sleeping next to me every night. You’ve made life better for so many, now it’s your time to be free.
“I’ve been looking for her” and will always be.
Rosie
Oct 15, 2017 - Oct 3, 2026

Tokyo earned her angel wings this afternoon. Her pain is gone. It’s over.

2/20/10-10/3/26 2:06 PM

I’ve lost the best part of my day.  

See you at Rainbow Bridge, sweet girl. 🌈

Today marks 2 months since we lost our Brut. 😢

My camera takes two second videos every time I take a picture. I was able to extract those videos and create this compilation. I have a lot more short videos, so I'll make more compilations.

Brutus Arroyo. February 14th 2013 - August 4th 2026 💔

We miss him everyday. 😢

She died on September 26 and I’m shattered ever since. She was 8 and the goofiest dog with a big personality. As I write this I’m in tears. I probably never fully recover. Bulma I will always love you forever… my little cocita.

I am completely devastated right now. My special little guy Franklin was taken from me at 4.5 years old. He leaves behind a bonded brother.

I can’t even post pictures of him because I can’t look through my camera roll right now. It’s too painful. He was perfect in all his wonkiness.

Long story short, he was a ball of life and energy and happiness and entertainment up until Wednesday morning when everything changed. We woke up to him shaking and panting, clearly in pain. Took him to our vet. They monitored him all day and thought it was pancreatitis, but when we picked him up at 4, they said he was starting to show back pain. They gave him pain meds but in just a few hours he was getting worse so we took him to the ER with a reputable neurology department. Gave him more pain meds and told us to come back if he showed signs of weakness in his hind legs or incontinence. I will leave out the excruciating details but he was paralyzed by 430 PM the next day and lost control of bladder and Bowels. We rushed him to the ER they took him back and hours later we were told he’d need surgery with a 50/50 chance of regaining his function. There was also a concern of myelomalacia, but we said yes to the surgery to give him his best shot. My whole life was crumbling in front of my eyes. How was my boy so full of life and energy just a day earlier in this position?

The next morning the neurologist called with the heartbreaking news that it was myelomalacia and his neurological decline was progressing. We confirmed with an MRI and then made the decision to end his suffering.

I am lost, confused, in shock, so sad my heart is physically aching. I feel insanely guilty for doing anything knowing he’d want more than anything to be there with me. When the doorbell rings, he’d love to run up and greet whoever was coming in. When we go for a walk with our other dogs, he LOVED walks and leading the pack. Curling up on the couch. Everything. I am terrified of losing the memory of all his little quirks, the wonderful things that made him him.

I have lost pets before and have been devastated, but this feeling of guilt is overwhelming. Im rethinking of all the times I should have given him more attention, or thrown him the ball, or been home instead of out. I feel utterly heartbroken. The house is deafeningly quiet and empty.

Hold your little guys a little extra tight tonight

Forever in my heart my dear Franklin 💔