We would like to be able to save every dog but realistically, it just isn’t possible. Janine Guido had to deal with this issue when she met a dog named Watson. You see, she is the founder of Speranza Animal Rescue so she takes care of many animals.

Watson was a homeless pit bull who was found in a park all alone in Philadelphia by a college student. After finding the dog, the student took him to an emergency vet because the pup had sores all over his body, a tumor on his back leg and he was starving. The vet informed the student that Watson was beyond hope. He had cancer that was spreading and his time was limited.

Watson went from the veterinarian’s office to a shelter in the area. The staff at the shelter agreed that Watson could stay there to be as comfortable as he could.

“I had a gut feeling that things weren’t going to be good the next day,” Guido told the Dodo. “I didn’t want to leave him alone. Not when he needed me the most.” She did what she could to comfort him, gathering blankets and dog beds and keeping him close. She spent the night with Watson holding him as he slept.

“He slept like a rock all night, cuddled up to me so tight,” Guido said. “I cried myself to sleep, and woke up in tears as well.”

Watson began pacing circles the following morning and he stopped eating and drinking. Guido knew that he was close to dying. She continued to support him in that difficult time.

Before long, Watson passed away but he was loved, perhaps the first time in his life.

“I’m just so thankful I was able to hold him tight for his last night,” Guido said. “I was telling him how much he was loved — and that his life mattered. My heart is breaking, but I would not change a thing.”