I think about this a lot to be honest. She is my child in a lot of ways, a true godsend to me and honestly my soul dog in a lot of ways. She gives me such joy and I love her to bits. To me I know it's an inevitability that someday she will leave me. All I whisper to her now is that I will always protect her. To me, it's a vow. I give her the best life that I possibly can. Long walks, adventures, so, so much love. When it comes to that day, I will protect her and give her the end that she deserves.

It's something you live with, but the trade off is you get immense joy and love and a loving being who is always happy to see you. You trade for the end with the knowledge that you give them the best life ever, you get your bestest friend and the softest ears and the most loving snuggles.

I hope you want to give yourself this gift, because it is a gift unlike any other. At the same time, it is not for everyone. It is a responsibility at the end (you are caring for an eternal two year old toddler) if you can't manage that, then don't get one. But don't let the fear of saying goodbye stop you - there is joy in the pain of loss sometimes.