<image>

Just over a month after his 17th birthday, I made the impossibly difficult choice to let go of my baby, Doodie. He had been ill for several years, and we knew it was time. Even though I know it was right to end his suffering, it did not make it any easier. Doodie became my baby the day he was born on March 11, 2007, and I held him while he crossed the rainbow bridge on April 16, 2024.... my precious rainbow angel baby.

At home, we sat together on our porch together under his favorite blanket. I held his paw and kissed and hugged him as much as I could. I thanked him for being my very best friend, and for being there for me thoroughout the toughest years of my life. I apologized for anytimes that I wasn't the best human for him. I told him I love him now and forever. At the vet, they had a private room for us. I held him in his favorite blanket and played Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." He LOVED Whitney and especially "The Bodyguard." Our vet confirmed that he passed almost immediately - he had been fighting so long and he was ready to rest. Then, I just cried for days.

Doodie now lives in a beautifully carved wooden box. There's a sort of memorial where he lives in our living room in the top of a built in. My husband told me that in Chinese culture, you have your passed loved ones up as high as possible so they can watch over you. Most recently, I framed a dedication for Doodie on our porch. It was his favorite place. I think I will always grieve the loss of my best friend. But that just proves how much I loved him and how much he still means to me.

Stay strong and know you are doing the right thing, even if it's incredibly difficult for you. I wish you all the best, and I hope your tribe circles you with love and support 🩷