Dogs are honestly the best. They are loyal, can become certified to help those in need, sense emotions, and just normally a big or small ball of fluff. People get to experience several important milestones with their canine companion, but there comes a time when that journey ends.

I recently experienced my childhood dog passing. I was one of the lucky few who did not have to experience a sudden death, but I think at a certain point, you know when it is close to that time. My dog, Bentley, was suffering from a tumor that formed on his neck. While we were trying to wait for as long as possible and did everything to prolong his life, that time still came. The tumor eventually ruptured, and we knew we could not let him continue on at that point. At the high point of his life, he weighed about 5-7 pounds and looked nice and round. On the last day of his life, he was just under five pounds but was mostly skin and bones with the tumor almost the size of his head.

I think there is a point when you realize that this may be their last walk, but you are not quite ready to let go. You hold on for as long as possible, they are your best friend after all. You have instilled so many secrets in them, they've been there when everything seemed to be falling down around you. The thought of living without them feels like a stab in the stomach.

But as much as you want to continue having them by your side, you know deep down they are no longer living their best life. They struggle to keep down their food, they no longer enjoy their walks and can barely make it around the house. There's this look that they give you, letting you know they are ready. That they are thankful for the life that you gave them, all of the treats, play-time, and sneaking in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter for them.

I do not think anyone can ever be ready for this moment. It's hard to prepare for a life without them. You are no longer waken by their cold nose or are warned of the dangerous mailman on your porch. It's your best friend, but you need to be able to come to this moment when their quality of life is no longer where it should be.

Watching my dog past was the hardest thing I ever went through. I thought I would be okay, that it would not be that bad. I cried, for hours, the next day, and still tear up when I think about it. Maybe that is just me, but he was my dog, the dog that watched me grow from a kid to an obnoxious pre-teen to a young adult venturing off into college. I was excited to come back in between breaks to see him, but that will not happen anymore.

I am glad I was there for his passing, I got to be the last thing he saw and the last one to pet him during the process. He was surrounded by love. And in a blink of an eye, he was gone, moved on. He took his journey across the rainbow bridge and waits for me to join him. He will always be my good boy.