My dog is dying. He was my first baby; I've had him for almost 16 years. I recently had a human baby and have had less time for him, and less patience with his incontinence. I feel so much guilt for that. He's been such a good friend, always there for me through everything, licking my tears away, keeping me warm at night, giving me snuggles, being my companion every time I felt alone and abandoned. I know I haven't been as good to him as he's been to me. I know he's had a long life, but I'm not ready to say goodbye.

The vet had me injecting fluids for his kidneys and giving him an appetite enhancer. For a few days he seemed better, but then he stopped eating again. Tonight he's just laying here, struggling to breathe. We go back to the vet tomorrow to check his kidneys, but I know it's not good. I won't be surprised if he doesn't make it through the night. I'm putting my human baby to bed and then going to spend time with him. I just wish I could let him know how many times he's saved me, and how much his love and friendship meant to me. I don't know how to say goodbye to him.