On Sunday, my sweet boy turned 13, and on Monday, he was diagnosed with kidney failure and severe cognitive decline. The vet said we could keep him comfortable with medication until he was ready. As the week progressed, he declined extremely fast.

Yesterday, he had one of his falling spells, and I helped him up. I sat on the floor to watch him, and he came over to me, placed his head on my left shoulder to give me a hug, and just stood there for a couple of minutes. When he lifted his head, I took his face in my hands, we locked eyes, and he gave me the look that told me, “Momma, I’m ready.”

He then walked behind me, placed his head over my same shoulder, and hugged me some more. I knew it was time to make the call I’d been scared to make for 13 years.

You are pain-free now, my handsome boy. I will love you forever. This isn’t goodbye; this is “see ya later, baby boy.”