Dalton and I have had to make the heart wrenching decision to help Ada cross the Rainbow Bridge. She’s been with me for over 11 years, at 8+ different places we’ve lived, and has been attached at my hip every step of the way. Ada is my best friend and frankly, it’s going to take a very long time for life without her to feel somewhat okay. Her goofiness, cuddles, heavy breathing, stinky breath, and wiggly butt have been constants no matter how unstable the rest of my life has been. Without her, I’ll have to create my own footing. I’m losing a part of me.

I’ve chosen to give her medication to ease her pain until Saturday (9/13) so that I can take her to do her favorite things (via wagon) one last time. We’ll go get a pup cup, walk some trails through the woods, watch ducks at the pond, and I’ll hold her up in her holster to let her feet touch water one last time. She’ll get to eat all the steak and cheese and bacon she wants. I’ll move my mattress to the floor so we can have sleepovers every night. And on Saturday, a vet will come into our home—where Ada feels safest—and help her drift peacefully into the eternal sleep. To do this, and to take time to grieve after she’s gone, I’ll need to take some time off work which means loss of income in my field as paid time off doesn’t exist for most therapists. I’m asking for donations to help with costs of the last week of medications to help her feel comfortable, in home euthanasia and private cremation, and partial income replacement as I take time off to grieve.

Some may not understand taking off two whole weeks from work to deal with the loss of a dog, but Ada is my heart and soul. I rescued her from a horrible situation and she’s gotten me through the hardest parts of my life. I just need one more week with her to create final memories, and one week to completely fall apart and try to figure out how to put myself back together to be okay enough to return to work. It’s okay if you choose not to donate. Please at least take a moment to look at the pictures I posted of my perfect girl.

Any remaining money will go toward helping my cat, Bruce, who has feline leukemia, get a much needed oral surgery to remove a tooth that is making him even more sick. He’s one of Ada’s best friends who she pretends to tolerate but secretly loves dearly. And outside of that I will donate the remaining money to an animal-related organization.

Give all of your fur babies hugs and kisses from me and Ada—anyone who knows her knows she LOVES to give kisses.