My sweet Chuey,

I'm sorry for everything. You deserved better.

It's been a week since you passed away. I'm overwhelmed upon realizing that this is it; you're never coming back. I wasn't there to comfort you to very the end because I couldn't bare to witness you take your last breath. It breaks me to picture you feeling scared or abandoned during your final moments. That mental image haunts me, and generates a kind of anxiety unlike any I've experienced. For years I mentally prepared myself for your inevitable departure, but it didn't make things easier.

As I walked out of the hospital doors that night, I fought the urge to go back in. I had to remind myself this was the ultimate test of my love for you. I had prolonged your pain enough. For too long, I had denied you mercy purely out of selfishness, because I always wanted one more day with you. It was cruel to put my needs above yours. So I didn't go back in and I accepted it was time to set you free.

When I arrived home, I surrounded your bed with all your toys. Later, I held your favorite plush in my arms as I fell asleep. I expected you to come visit me in my dreams but that didn't happen. What if I never get to see you again? What if goodbyes are truly forever? Then how will the guilt and regret I feel ever subside? I didn't kiss you goodbye and couldn't hold you. Worst of all, the complications which came in dealing with your deteriorating health often frustrated me. It was no excuse and I'm sorry I acted cold towards you. I'm sorry for everything.

I yearn to have you at my side again. Throughout your lengthy battle with cancer I was already grieving you. I missed our cuddles, our walks and sharing my bed with you. Above all else, I missed our friendship. The truth is our love never diminished, despite how you were no longer acting like yourself. You were struggling and I was being selfish. I wish I had been a better parent. I wish I could have done more for you, especially on your last day on Earth. You deserved a better send off and I didn't offer that to you.

You'll always be remembered the way you truly were: feisty, strong and valiant. I will forever treasure the memories from our 15 years together. All the ways we used to greet each other in the morning. All your quirks and flaws. The time you stuck your head inside a pizza box and got caught trying to snatch a slice. The times we visited the playground and placed you on the baby swings. How you would beg me to sit on my lap whenever I used the computer. The absurd list of nicknames I thought up for you. The "secret handshake" you and your uncle used to do. The exact spots you enjoyed being petted.

I've spent the past week looking through old photos of you. Strangely, I feel neither sadness nor longing when I look at them. Rather, I feel the absolute joy you brought into this world. That's how I want to remember you; to feel content enough that I got to meet you.

You taught me to appreciate life with your presence alone. I never thanked you enough for your company and unconditional love. You were born during a pivotal day in my life. We met 3 months later, and I discovered the love I could have missed had I died on your birth date. Although I begin a new chapter in this life without you, I'll never forget you, Chuey. Thank you for everything.

If/when we should ever reunite, I hope you can forgive me, and that we can become a complete family once more. To hold your paws in my hands. To boop your nose and kiss your forehead. That's what I desire. Your grandma and best frenemy both miss you too. We're all grieving your loss. Wherever you are, always know you are cherished. You were a fighter and I hope you're at peace. We love you and will always consider you a part of our family. You are my son. Rest easy, baby boy, and hope to catch you later.

Love always,

Momma

Sweet My baby cat caramel,

I love you so much my baby camo. But I’m so mad at you why didn’t you show me your pain why? Why didn’t you hang in for long. Why didn’t you burden me? My baby I miss you so much, come back to me please just one last hug, one last treat I’ll do anything. Please Camo.

I love you so much my baby. Why did you leave me alone. You are too young only 4 pls my baby. You were gonna be with me till I turn 25. Pls baby come back please. 💗

Love,

Amal

Little Dillyboy,

My tears flow freely as I try to put these feelings into words. Oh my sweet little Dillyboy, you were my constant source of joy and comfort. I miss how, no matter where I chose to sit, whether in a chair or down on the floor, you would instantly find your way into my lap. It feels impossible that your vibrant spirit is now a memory. I often wondered how such a small body could contain a heart so incredibly vast.

The footprint you left on my life is permanent. Because of you, I am changed. You loved me fiercely and always. You guided me to become a much, much better person, softening my edges and making me far more compassionate. Most of all, you gave me a beautiful sense of purpose. You may be gone from my sight, Dillyboy, but your love remains my guiding light.

I love you so much Dilly. My arms ache for you.

Thank you Dillyboy.

Run happy, healthy and free my boy.

Love,

Your Klara.

My sweet Beanie ,

You came at the perfect time in my life. I was going through such a rough time mentally, but somehow, you were able to help me work through those emotions. You were there when I needed someone to listen to what was going through my mind or when I just needed a reason to smile. You were there when I doubted myself. You were there when I wanted to give up on everything. But most of all, you were there when I needed someone to love me unconditionally. I’m so sorry I couldn’t have done more for you. I’m so sorry if you spent the last few hours you had suffering. I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you how much I love you before I had to let you go. You were the best thing to ever happen to me and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to love a pet or a person, as much as I love you. I hope that one day we’ll see each other again in a sunny field, sharing a large plate of watermelon together. You will always be in my heart

Love always,

Amanda

My sweet Lil Rocco,

I don't think there is a word to describe the pain I feel following your passing. It's been about 24 hours since you left and the agony I feel has settled deep in my bones. Everything hurts. Yesterday, I watched your eyes dim and your soul leave and you took part of my soul with you when you crossed over. I don't know how to do life without you. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without you. 12 years was not enough. Now I'm left with pictures and videos of you, 12 years of memories in my camera roll and embedded in my heart. I wish we had eternity, Lil and even still that would not be long enough. I wanted a pug from the time I was a little girl and you were my dream come true. Yours was a life well lived, you made us so happy, and if a dog's only duty is just be the best friend their human could ever ask for, you fulfilled your mission to the fullest. I thank God for sending you into my orbit and making the stars align perfectly for us to meet that faithful day. My craigslist pup that I prayed for. We will meet again in the hereafter, our spirits will always be connected and I will look for you everywhere till we find each other once more. Thank you for being my heart dog, Lil.

I love you. I will love you forever.

Love,

Mommy

Little Zelda,

My little friend who gave me so much love and waited at the door for me every day, I miss you. I see you in every cat I meet and the love I still have for you goes out to all of them and so you stay with me. What luck to have known you. Thank you, Mademoizelda.

Love,

Siri

My sweet Bella,

I'm gonna miss you girl.

My mother drove 2 hours to pick you up.

They were going to put you to sleep, but my mom said "WE'LL TAKE HER" and drove down the next day.

Apparently you had "behavior issues" and were "too loud".

I was disgusted that anyone would send back such a beautiful soul.

From that moment I made a permanent decision to NEVER abandon you, NEVER give up on you.

I trained you

I brought you on hikes

I brought you camping

I brought you for EVERY car ride I could possibly bring you

You gave me this purpose... this light... that only unconditional love can offer.

When we first met, I was swallowed by rumination and starved of hope.

You showed me unconditional love every day.

YOU CURED ME, BELLA.

Because of you I turned toward the light, and the light returned to my life.

You found me in the tunnel and led me back to the world.

I will always love and respect you more than anything else on this planet.

I love you Bella. Always have. Always will. Thank you forever.

See you in the next life.

Love,

Brian F

My sweet Rex,

I am going to miss you little buddy. The snuggles in bed and maybe a bite of a twinkie 😁 when mama wasn't watching.

I love you so much and miss you like crazy. I won't be the same until I can hold you, Daisy and Django again. Keep running and playing till I get there. Be waiting for me when my time comes. We are going to play forever. I'm bringing some snacks and everyone a new toy.

Its the little things that break my heart over and over each day. Not seeing you at the door when I get home hits me hard. Not being able to cuddle you at night in the bed is hard too. I love you and always remember you are the best boy in the world. I love you!

Love,

Dad

Sweet Chloe,

My sweet Chloe,

Everyone who knew you loved you - the sweetest, most gentle, mellow, and loving doggy. Not a single day will go by where I won’t miss you. I’ll forever cherish all of the memories with you. You have gotten me through some of the worst times of my life. You were also there for some of my best. You changed my life and so many others.

I hope you’re getting unlimited pets and chicken treats in doggy heaven. You will forever be my best friend 🤍

Love,

Your mom, Auva

My dearest Kissy,

Tomorrow will be one week since you passed. In all 28 years we were together, we were never apart a full 24 hrs. I am devastated. This separation is too painful. I don't know how to begin the day, how to end the day because it always began and ended with being with you. Not having a place set at the table for you causes an emptiness I cannot describe.

I always always feared losing you. But I could never imagine this. My world has gone dark. Now I too perfectly understand the inscription I saw at the pet cemetery. It best expresses your presence in my life: "He was not the sunrise. He was not the sunset. He was the sun."

I would relive every painful moment in my life to relive those 28 years we had together. Till we meet again, play with the angels. Be blessed by St. Francis and St. Therese. I ADORE YOU, LITTLE BIRD!

Love,

Cathy - Big Bird