r/rainbowbridge • u/TheGreat_Goonsby • 3h ago
Today I Lost The Best Girl. My Athena
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.
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u/FireWalkWithMe2312 3h ago
Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Athena. I lost my Chi, Peanut, on September 12th. I'm sure she'll be there to greet Athena.
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u/Own_Lab_2566 3h ago
You did the right thing friend.... I was Ina Similar situation it's normal to think back an think what if.....
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u/dogs_and_dogettes 3h ago
Her name fit her perfectly. She looked happy and healthy in all her pictures and lived the life of a world traveler. You were both so fortunate to have found each other. Rest in Peace, Athena.
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u/PhysicalPath8326 3h ago
I'm so so sorry for your loss. Loosing the one thing that makes life happy even in the hardest, is the deepest pain ever felt. I'm sorry you are feeling it.
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u/JonVonCronchy 3h ago
Run free Athena 🌈 She was a beautiful and much beloved baby 💔 Very sorry for your loss, I hope that it gets easier
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u/Tessandmae 3h ago
What a gorgeous face! I’m so sorry. You can tell that you loved each other so much.
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u/Mturlkn4ltsoffun 3h ago
So sorry and I know the feeling of “am I doing the right thing “. Went through our heads every time!
She was a beautiful pup!!
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u/Letgomypurse_856 3h ago
Sorry for your loss. I have a BM and the bond is out of this world. I can imagine the loss that you feel ❤️🩹
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u/Top_Fee1005 3h ago
So sorry
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u/susieintucson 2h ago
She is a classic. RIP, beautiful Athena.she is a classic. So sorry for your loss of beautiful Athena.
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u/Nigel_is_my_dog 2h ago
So many pictures shows so much love. Remember that. This dog got the best life because of you. That is the best gift you can give to anyone. Your love+time spent together. There is nothing more special than that. 🩵💔
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u/secretanonymous1 2h ago
Athena was beautiful. I loved looking at these pictures of her life! I can tell how loved she was and still is. You gave her a great life and that's all a pet parent can do and so meaningful. RIP Athena. Sending healing your way.
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u/littleshortdogs 2h ago
You were right to do what you did. Don’t ever doubt yourself. I waited too long with one of mine because, like you said, they just rally for you when the end is near. But one day he didn’t anymore and it is one of my biggest regrets in life. You sent Athena to the bridge the way she deserved to go. You did better for her than I did for mine. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/SoPasGuy 2h ago
Your post wrecked me…and I’m reading it in a very crowded Chinese restaurant. You two were bound at the hip and I’m glad Athena had you…and I am very sorry for your loss. Great photos!
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u/Sendingmyregards 1h ago
Wow, the journeys and adventures you took her on, OP! I’m sorry for your loss, and if it’s anything similar to what I’m going through (in-home euthanasia for my 17yo dachshund last month), it feels like half of your heart is missing. Just wanted to say I’m right there with you and sending you positive vibes. Hope Athena is showing others in the afterlife how to also be adventurous 💜
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u/No_Employ9472 1h ago
You did everything right for your girl. Athena lived every moment basking in your unconditional love. Please know that you did everything just as she would want it. I am so sorry for your loss/
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u/MUSCLEVIOLENCE 1h ago
She was beautiful and we can tell you gave her a great life. I completely understand the "mind playing tricks on you" feeling but doing the euthanasia at home when you did was the best choice you could make and passing in her favourite spot is the best thing any of us could ask for
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u/Hefty-Revolution-938 1h ago
So sorry for your loss. I have had that happen with any of my pets that have passed too. My dog was her old self for the last day and so was my cat. I think it’s partly that last hurrah we get supposedly before death. I also think it’s them enjoying their last day and also for us to remember them in a good way. You loved her and I know she felt loved
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u/Vojtisek 50m ago
Sorry for Your loss, op. You gave her wonderful life, she gave You much more. Farewell, Athena.
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u/Single-Pause3152 43m ago
Beautiful girl! That puppy picture is adorable. Cherish your memories and write down everything you can remember about her well it’s still fresh – – things like all of her favorites, different adventures. You had funny moments and so on.I didn’t do this with my dog and deeply regret it because it’s time goes on their memories.gGet a little hazy.💔
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u/Own_Lab_2566 3h ago
I cam tell you took good care am loved for her....rest up beautiful soul...keep ur owners spot warm on the other side friend