Dogs
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

When You Walk Your Dog Across The Rainbow Bridge

Saying goodbye to your furry friend is never easy...

167
Caitlyn Sebastian
Caitlyn Sebastian

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53977
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34753
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957139
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181894
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments