No one ever wants to have to say goodbye forever to their best friend. But when given the chance, many would prefer to let their beloved dogs go peacefully instead of painfully succumbing to disease. That dreaded moment of acceptance is one that sticks with you for a long time.
On Twitter, Toronto resident Dale Thompson shared a glimpse of his own heartbreaking farewell moment with his 14-year-old dog Murphy. Murphy had been battling cancer for a while now.
“This is Murphy’s 14th & last Christmas with me. Tragically, the cancer is now all through his nose and into his throat. There’s nothing else I can do except make him comfortable & happy.”
A few days after Christmas, Thompson updated his followers with a video of Murphy taking a slow stroll down the street. This was his last walk ever.
“Murphy walked to the vet today for the last time. He walked in with dignity, clarity and honour. He left this world the same way he came into it: With style, grace and happy.”
Thompson knew that the time for his best friend in the world to go out peacefully was now. But saying goodbye wasn’t easy. In the end, Murphy was the one comforting him.
“Even at the end, he was happy and when I cried to say goodbye, he tried to get up and leave with me. I couldn’t tell him enough how sorry I was for doing this and how I regretted every single time I got upset at him or didn’t spend enough time with him too. He was happy.”
In a longer, more detailed Medium post, Thompson elaborated on Murphy’s illness and their final moments together.
“You know I would’ve taken on your cancer from you if I could’ve. You were an anomaly for not only loving visits to the vet but enjoying getting a needle. Your last gesture was to stop me from crying before your final breath. I wonder if you understood when I asked you to wait for me on the other side.”
Fortunately, thousands of commenters chimed in with adoration for Murphy and kind words for grieving Thompson.
“Went through the same with my Schuey. He walked into the vet too and I sat on the floor with him until he was at peace. Wish they could live longer. Sending massive hugs.” -@bethmc1974 via Twitter
“They take a piece of us with them when they go. It is the hardest thing in the world to be strong for them when they tell you it is their time.” – @suzannekeith71 via Twitter
Saying goodbye was the hardest part, but it’s nice knowing this good boy is no longer in pain, and that he was happy through it all.
Watch Murphy’s last triumphant trot below. Rest in peace beautiful boy!
Murphy walked to the vet today for the last time. He walked in with dignity, clarity and honour.
He left this world the same way he came into it: With style, grace and happy.
RIP my friend 💔 https://t.co/AF7H6clw2E pic.twitter.com/JRZzqD2751
— Dale Thompson (@daleethompson) December 30, 2019
