15th February, 2026

I'm going to be completely honest. I don't particularly know how to write these, but I'm going to try anyway.

We first met in 2018. You were so tiny back then, it's quite a shock how much you've grown since. A little ball of energy that, at first I was unsure of if I liked, mainly because you had a bad habit of biting anything and anyone.

As weeks went by, I definitely started to get a lot warmer and closer towards you. You stopped biting random objects and hands as often as you grew up. You definitely became a lot more snugglier. Slowly we became each other's favourite friend.

As months went by, you picked up little habits that made you one of my favourite friends. Everytime I came through the door, you'd excitedly rush the door and give me a biiig hug. When we went swimming, you'd always try to rescue me even though I was perfectly fine. When we had balloons out for whatever occasion, you'd play with them so elegantly. You could light up the whole room and make anyone's day, and were at my side when I was at my lowest.

As years went by, you got a little older (and significantly bigger than expected, too). But that never stopped you from doing the things that you loved doing. We grew even closer, and you and I shared many warm and cosy nights together.

In September two years ago, you lost control of both of your rear legs. The doctors said that there's no hope for them, but you were strong, and you persevered. You managed to get the best of your ailment and took control back of one of your back legs. Even that didn't stop you from doing many things that you loved one bit, and we shared many happy memories.

But something changed this week. You lost control of both your back legs. You weren't interested in sleeping in your usual spot. You weren't interested in eating food. Even your favourite foods. You were in a lot of pain, and that caused us a lot of pain. It all culminated to getting worse and worse, until it all came to a head at the night of Valentine's Day. You wouldn't even respond to your name. You couldn't move far. You couldn't hold your bladder. And no matter what we did, no medicine helped. We knew it was time.

I will never forget your final moments from two hours ago. You, me, a family member and the vet. I will never forget you on the table while sedated, licking my tear-filled face with your coarse tongue, which I didn't often let you do. I will never forget holding onto your body and feeling your warm embrace for the last time. All the pain that we're taking on is worth it just so you don't have to.

You were more than just a pet to me. You were my friend, you were my confidante.

Farewell my sweet little prince. You'll always be the goodest boy in my heart, and I hope that wherever you are now, it's a much better, pain-free place. I hope that you have all of your legs again. I love you loads, and I hope I get to meet and embrace you again whenever I leave this world too.

2018-2026