Dylan

✎ How did they feel about bath time?
Dylan LOVED taking bathes. He would go to the bathing area by himself and get into the tub. He was such a smart, silly boy.

Dylan always did the silliest things and made the funniest faces. He would have turned 7 in a few days.

✎ What were they like as a baby?
Even as a, Dylan was so handsome. I first met him when he was a little over a month old, and he was so feisty and playful. I finally took him home when he was 4 months old, right before the lockdown. He used to share everything with his 3 siblings, so I think when we finally gave him his own bed and toys, he became so lossessive od them (but in the sweetest way).

His older brother Toby used to bully him, but I think he just thought they were playing.

It took a while before Dylan warmed up to us, he used to sit across the couch just staring at us. But once he did, oh boy he was the sweetest dog. He let anyone and everyone cuddle him, and he would greet everyone with his favorite toy to play fetch (which we didn't even teach him, he just somehow knew how to do it). He loved to play and was such a fluff ball of energy.

It's only when they're gone that you realize being waken up at 3am with a slobbering wet chew toy beside your face, while your dog is waiting for you to throw it, was one of the best things in the world.

I miss you, my fluffy boy. I hope you know how much I love you.

Happy 7th birthday, Dylan. Even though you are no longer here, you are so deeply missed and forever loved.

I never imagined I would lose you so soon. We tried to do everything right, and it still breaks my heart to think that you could have been saved if the vets had truly listened instead of assuming they already had all the answers. When I left for my trip two days after we confined you for treatment, I fully expected to come home and get you a second opinion. I never thought that Friday would be the last time I would see you. Looking back, I am so grateful I stayed as long as I did, taking videos of you and giving you endless hugs and kisses.

It was around 7am in Japan when I got the call from the vet. In that moment, I was completely heartbroken and overwhelmed with anger, but more than anything else, I was consumed by guilt. It is a weight I still carry--guilt that I wasn't there with you at the end, and guilt that I didn't spend enough time with you while you were here. Even though you stayed with Mom so you could have a bigger space and more company, I regret being so caught up in grieving my other dog that I didn't give you the undivided attention you deserved.

I am so sorry, my sweet fluffy boy. Instead of celebrating your birthday today, I am mourning all the time and memories we were supposed to have. The only comfort I have is knowing that you are no longer suffering.

I just hope you know how fiercely and completely you were loved.