Elvis’s Farewell Costs

Elvis was the sweetest little pup in the world who meant everything to me. It pains me to say that after our 8 years together, he was laid to rest on April 2nd. He was just four months away from his 13th birthday. Truly, he was my soulmate in a dog. He had such a big personality, many preferences and we had many similarities. I understood him, he was an extension of me.

He was my best friend and my baby. I was sick much of the beginning of the year and had surgery in late February. It almost feels as if he waited for me to heal to be there for me before I needed to be there for him. There will never be another dog like Elvis.

Unfortunately, leaving this earth is not only an unwanted expense, but typically an unexpected one as well. I wasn’t planning for this, was not expecting this and due to my own health, medical bills and not working due to surgery, his medical bills and farewell costs have hit me quite a bit. Something, that in this situation, I wish wasn’t a concern. Any help is appreciated. Elvis was very loved and I wish I wasn’t in this position at all. If I could have taken years off my life to give to him, I would.

Elvis’ Story

I adopted Elvis in 2017 after moving across the country to Arizona. My partner at the time tagged along with me but I ended our relationship a short three months after moving and decided to get a dog instead. My first ever dog that would be mine! Upon cruising shelters for who to adopt, I stumbled across 5 year old Elvis at the Arizona Humane Society. It was love at first sight as he happily hopped in through the dog door and I immediately exclaimed “I want him!”. He was everything I was looking for.. a small, black, fluffy dog who upon my google searching I determined was also hypoallergenic, which was a must for me. The paperwork was filled out and I took him home that day. He sat in the backseat the whole ride home but as soon I as I stopped the car, he hopped up to the front into my lap and I knew we were meant to be. I saved him and he saved me.

When Humane Society first discovered Elvis, he was found outside in a backyard with no food, shelter, shade or water in August Arizona weather, over 100 degrees. He was lying in the yard with a collection of unknown puppies who unfortunately were deceased by the time the crew arrived on site; Elvis was the only one still breathing. He was overweight, ungroomed and seemed unaccustomed to much attention or love as in the beginning he often was hesitant to receive and would whimper when being pet, cuddled or spoken to sweetly.

In 2021 he began displaying severely concerning symptoms where he was limping, wailing in pain, unable to eat, drink or use the bathroom. He had some issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, but it was more than that. After multiple emergency and regular vet visits, we were advised to go to a neurologist where they then took an MRI and discovered a fatty mass in his neck intertwined in his muscles, pressing on his nerve roots, impacting the use and feeling of various parts of his body. No questions asked, I emptied my savings account and charged my credit cards to do the tests, get the medications and do what was possible for my little dog. Over $5,000 in vet expenses later and he was medicated but comfortable. The neurologist gave him a 6 month estimate before it’d likely be time to say goodbye. I was devastated but determined and so was he, as he instead lived a happy life until 2025.

I was more than grateful to have another 3.5 years with him. Elvis seemed better and for the most part, he was. He was the same playful, adventurous, sweet and curious little man. He just liked to be included, really, even if it was just laying nearby while I did a project. It was just us two, solo in our house and on our journeys. We spent nearly every day together for 8 years and went on many trips! Hiking, plane rides, road trips, off-roading, camping.. we were always together and he was my partner in crime, my little adventure buddy.

However, despite his young spirit, he began to show his age. Shortly after his 12th birthday he increasingly went fully blind. The next couple of months following, he seemed to also be hard of hearing, his body got more stiff and he began to show cognitive issues and symptoms of dementia. All believed to have been stemming from the fatty mass in his neck that likely continued to grow, expand and worsen over time. Despite being blind and at times confused, he appeared happy and playful, would show his love and was always glad to receive it.

It seemed to happen so quickly, his inability to remain comfortable and displaying similar symptoms as he did once before, back in 2021. Over the course of 2-3 weeks he worsened and it was clear there was no way to manage his discomfort or pain. His quality of life began to decrease rapidly as he no longer showed interest in his puzzles, hardly left his bed, no longer wagged his tail and struggled to move around as he began to lose use of his front left leg. He asked and ached for more attention and comfort than usual. I could see it in his eyes that he wasn’t happy, he was letting go but trying to hang on.. he was telling me it was time.

I’ve never loved something so much in my life and I will miss him dearly. I adored Elvis, he was the love of my life and my world. It was always me and him. I didn’t want to let go, I wasn’t ready but I also wasn’t ready or willing to watch or listen to him suffer or struggle any longer than he needed to or should have in the first place. A medicated, sedated, uncomfortable life is no life to live. I wanted my love and our memories to live on so I made the hardest decision we have to make as pet parents and say goodbye.

In his last two days, we spent time by the lake at one of our favorite spots. I held him, we cuddled and it was the most at peace, relaxed and comfortable he had been in weeks. He didn’t whine, whimper, groan, moan or squirm once. He was the same way on our long ride home while he laid in his dog bed in the front seat with the window down, breeze blowing, sun shining on him, smelling all the smells. After another rough night together we spent all day snuggling with lots of treats, kisses, pets and his favorite foods. At 5pm, he was laid to rest in my arms in the comfort of our own home. I’m grateful I was able to love and live to the fullest with him the best way I knew how and usher him into the next life.