Being a dog mom is a unique blend of love, responsibility, chaos, and joy. I first became a dog mom in 1995, to a Yorkie in my Easter basket. From that moment, I knew there was no other love like it.

Fast forward to 2012 when I graduated college and found the love of my life, my tater tot, Bentley Joseph. I was 22 when I found Bentley for sale on a Facebook post. He was a miniature Yorkie that could fit in the palms of my hands, 4 pounds. Bentley immediately changed my life. We spent our first two years together running the streets of Soulard, drinking patio beers and throwing Mardi Gras beads. We learned a lot about life together; things like patience, discipline, responsibility, presence, consistency, loyalty, and unconditional love. He has walked by my side as I navigated career changes, accomplishments, health scares, cross-country moves, and heartache.

In the fall of 2017 I found Bailee, our alpha. She is a rat terrier/italian greyhound, who was surrendered at age 7 to the Humane Society. She was overlooked so many times and placed in the back of the shelter/out of sight because she was baring her teeth. I met her in a private room and knew instantly she was going to be mine. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She was scared and lonely. I took her home that night. Bailee has spent most of her time snuggled in a blanket, resting on a heating pad, or laying/smiling in the sun. My little sun-catcher. It's hard to explain how I relate to Bailee. She reminds me to always love and lead with confidence.... we have both experienced so much loss and found great comfort in knowing we had one another.

Over the last eight years, B&B have become each other's counterparts. They are inseparable - enjoying every meal, car ride, walk, treat, and nap together. After many vet appointments, years of medications, and recent changes in their health, it will soon be time to (somehow) say goodbye to my babies.

About a year ago, Bailee was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I have managed her symptoms with daily medications and great care. Bentley has lived with a collapsed trachea for most of his life, but when I recently took him into the vet for a wellness exam, we discovered the fluid on his lungs. Upon further examination/x-rays, it was discovered that he has a large tumor in his chest, causing some major complications. Both B&B have been diagnosed as terminal and their overall quality of life has began to decline. They are facing mobility issues, weight-loss, periodontal disease, breathing issues, occasional limping, wheezing/coughing, and overall discomfort.

It is with my heaviest heart that I share that after receiving many different signs from the universe, arrangements have been made for Bentley and Bailee to cross the rainbow bridge together. B&B will get to go to sleep peacefully in the comfort of their own bed at home, by my side. We are working with Dr. Fixler at Happy Endings In-Home Pet Euthanasia to ensure the most peaceful and painless experience. They will then be cremated together and their ashes returned to me. As difficult as this process has been, I find so much comfort in knowing they will stay together forever.

Bentley and Bailee have been an intricate piece of my story. They have climbed mountains with me in Colorado, explored national parks in California, went kayaking, and even took trips into my classrooms to meet my students. I know Bentley and Bailee have made so many fur-ever friends over the years, so if you are in the Phoenix area we would like to invite you to come our Happy Endings Pawty. We will have human and fur friends over on Sunday, June 1st from 7-8:30pm for pup cups and butt sniffs. Please let me know if you are interested in coming by so I can send you our new address/directions.

I promised them the day(s) that I got them, "I will be here for you until the end - you are my ride or die." I am completely devastated and exhausted, as these two dogs are my entire world. I do not know what being an adult looks like without them. Donations will help cover the costs of the at home exam & euthanasia, travel expenses, cremations, urn, and some of their final meals (In-N-Out no doubt). Thank you to everyone who has checked in, sent us some love, made a donation, dog sat for them in the past, sent them treats or toys, etc. You will never know how much it means to me/us.

"To end our pet's suffering, we must choose to accept our own."