There’s nothing quite like the bond between a loving dog and its owner and we just wish our four legged companion could live as long as we do.
And it’s never easy realizing that your dog is getting older and older and that one day they might not be around anymore.
Jessika Coker perfectly described this feeling in a Facebook post she made in 2019. Jessika’s words captured the ever poignant reality of dealing with the passing of time.
Her words are an essential reminder to not take our dogs or cats or pets for granted. Not for another day — and definitely not for another year.
Many people shared their own stories about their beloved dogs in the comments of the post:
My old lady just turned 17, and I could swear I just got her a couple of years ago. The years…they go fast. She’s seen me through relationships, apartments, our house (which I bought so she could have a yard) and everything from my late twenties to mid-forties. I don’t know what my life will look like when she’s gone, but until then, I’m loving her pretty hard.
– Shasta Kalin
I know this post is about dogs but I need to post about the love of my life. My beautiful Moon who is turning 15 in May. I’ve had her since I was 14, and we have walked together for so long. I can’t imagine my life without her but I know one day she won’t be meowing at my door for food and I know one day I’ll stop buying her favourite treats because she won’t be there anymore. It breaks my heart to even think of it but I know that I have given her the best life that I can provide with so much love and she has given me so much more in return. The love is infinite. That part never dies.
– Lisa Marie
Chappy is 13.5 and now totally deaf. I’m so glad I taught him hand signals along with voice. He understands things anyhow. Almost instinctively knows what I want and i know what he wants because so many things became routine for him. If I spin around, he knows it’s dance time. Don’t even want to imagine life without him. He’s traveled around the country with me, went to college with me, and most recently licks the tears from my face that I shed from losing my son and snuggles with me. They are a great comforter. They are special!!
– Vicki Cantrell
Here’s Merry & Pippin, the two loves of my life who are turning 14 in May. I’ve had them since I was 12 and they’ve been by my side the entire time – they got me through school, uni, my career and were also by my side on my wedding day. Even though I dont live at my parent’s home anymore they still come and stay with me on weekends and that’s honestly the highlight of my week. It breaks my heart to even think of doing life without them
– Natalie Reyes
Andre will be 16 years old in April and I’ve had him since I was 15. This really touched me because I’ve had him now for half of my life and he’s been there with me before, during and after everything and everyone. I know that day is coming and that I’ll never be full ready for it but I’m so thankful for how he always stayed by my side and loved me through it all.
– Danielle Brown
My Sofia will be 17 on Sat. You don’t realize that there will be so many lasts-last walks, last time she’s able to walk up the stairs, or jump off the couch. We adapt but watching her hurt, seeing her personality fade. It’s so hard. I appreciate every day I have with her.
– Gentry McGuire