07/15/2025
It's strange, isn't it? Nobody really talks about pets getting old. Nobody talks about the heartbreak of losing a furry friend. It just feels like something you're supposed to grieve on your own, in silence, while your world is quietly falling apart.
Pets are such a huge, constant part of our lives. Every single day, they're just... there. And because they're our best friends, we don't always notice the little things changing. You spend every waking moment with them, so it's easy to miss how their face is slowly turning grey, or how they're getting around just a tiny bit slower, or don't quite hear you like they used to. They start to slow down, play less.
But then you look back, and it hits you. You remember how young they used to look, and suddenly those changes are glaring. The time we get with them is so incredibly short compared to our own lives. But the impact they make? That's immeasurable.
I'm writing all this to tell you: love your dogs, your cats, or whatever pets you have, with everything you've got. Because life with them is just too short.
This year, I've had Hazel for 11 years. She's my best friend, my loyal companion. She's been with me through my entire adult life, seen me at my best, seen me at my worst. There were times I couldn't always afford the fancy dog food, the delicious treats, or even every routine vet visit. But we made it work, and she's been by my side, every single day. She's traveled to so many places, and seriously, everyone who knows me knows about Hazel. I've definitely missed out on some things because traveling with pets can be tough, but they're a commitment, you know? She's my girl, my best friend, my sweet soul mutt.
And as she gets older, I can't help but cherish every single moment with her a little bit more. I wish she'd live forever, but I know that's not reality. I know there will come a day when I have to say goodbye, and I hope it's many, many years from now. But a piece of my heart will absolutely be gone the day that happens.
So please, hug your pets tight. Take them on that extra walk. Bring them on vacation if you can. Let them be comfortable on the couch. Give them all the snacks. Let them truly enjoy every single part of their life. Include them in your family pictures. Because the day they aren't with you anymore, you will wish that you had done all of that and more. 🐾