As all of you know, losing a dog is absolutely horrible. I always tell people that dogs are the true definition of 100% unconditional love, and its so TRUE.
July 2014, we got a 1.5-pound Brussels Griffon, the runt of her litter. She was so tiny — about the size of a remote control and a small Coke bottle. Somehow, that tiny little puppy grew into 10 pounds of pure, unconditional love.
Riley was the true definition of a Velcro dog. She was my shadow. If I was there, Riley was there. If I moved, Riley moved. She slept in my bed every single night for 12 years.
Anyone who spent time around us witnessed how she followed me everywhere and how incredibly loved and spoiled she was. She even had her own chair at the dinner table, sitting there like a member of the family — because she absolutely was.
In April 2024, Riley was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
The cancer was literally eating away at the right side of her face. I kept putting off the inevitable. I carried her around. I cleaned the blood from her sheets and blankets. I tried to keep her open wound as clean and comfortable as I possibly could. I gave her medications and pain medication. I kept hoping for just a little more time.
But eventually, I realized something I didn’t want to accept: I was being selfish, and I had to let her go.
On 10-8-26 my scheduled in-home euthanasia service came and helped Riley cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Riley, you will be missed more than words could ever explain. You gave us 12 incredible years filled with love, loyalty, laughter and memories that will stay with us forever.
They say a dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than it loves itself.