Onyx was my 15-year-old Chihuahua, and he was so much more than just a pet—he was my ride or die, my constant companion, and my family. I brought him home when he was just six weeks old, and from that moment, he never left my side. He was smart, loyal, and full of personality. Onyx never needed a leash because he always stayed close to me, and he had a way of making everyone around him smile. He thought he was royalty—never sitting on the floor, always finding a blanket or my purse to curl up in. He loved attention and made sure everyone acknowledged him, and his tiny size was matched only by his huge heart and appetite for life (and for pizza and steak!).

Onyx and I went everywhere together, from Seattle to Canada to Arizona, and even through tough times when we were homeless, he was always there. He had separation anxiety and would bark until I came back, acting like I’d been gone for days even if it was just a few minutes. He was my shadow, my comfort, and my joy. Losing him on Easter Sunday was devastating. He became very weak, and as I held him close, I told him it was okay to go. He took his last breaths in my arms, and my heart broke. The pain of losing him is unlike anything I’ve felt before, and I’m struggling to cope with the emptiness he’s left behind.

I’ve already paid part of the cremation costs with a loan, but I need help to finish paying for his cremation, the urn, and to give him a small memorial. I’d also like to seek some counseling to help me process this loss. If you have a heart for my beloved Onyx, please consider donating to help lay him to rest. Thank you to everyone who loved him or understands what it’s like to lose a best friend.