For many people, their dogs, cats, and other furry friends are more like family. That's why losing a pet is one of the most heartbreaking things a person can go through. But as great as the pain of this monumental loss may be, it can never outweigh the light and joy that their love has yielded.
Former firefighter Gregg Favre reminded everyone of this in a Twitter thread that has gone viral since it was posted last Friday.
As Favre explained on Twitter, 11 years ago, he rescued a dog named Bella while he was on duty at the firehouse.
"Over the next decade+, we would be inseparable. On adventures, on walks around the neighborhood, or sitting by the fire at home," he wrote. "She passed away in my arms last night, peacefully, after a resolute fight with cancer."
11 yrs ago I rescued puppy while on duty at an #StL firehouse.
Over the next decade+, we would be inseparable. On adventures, on walks around the neighborhood, or sitting by the fire at home. She passed away in my arms last night, peacefully, after a resolute fight w/ cancer. pic.twitter.com/R54O9AGP8p — Gregg Favre (@GreggFavre) May 10, 2019
While Favre wrote that he's always had dogs and each of them holds a special place in his heart, the bond that he and Bella shared was especially strong. "We could communicate with glances and head nods," he wrote. "My wife would joke that it felt like we were ganging up on her."
We’ve had dogs in & around our family my whole life.
They are all loved and special in their own ways. But the bond that Bella and I had together was incredible. We could communicate with glances and head nods. My wife would joke that it felt like we were ganging up on her. pic.twitter.com/doMDX2T0ZA — Gregg Favre (@GreggFavre) May 10, 2019
Favre's faithful pup stayed by his side through everything, providing the stability and comfort only a pet can. "As life came crashing against our door—grad school, promotions, loss, injury, and sickness—our routine stayed the same. She was always grounding. Always loyal," he wrote.
Over the yr we’ve taken 1000s of walks together – from state parks to national monuments, cathedrals to universities.
As life came crashing against our door –grad school, promotions, loss, injury & sickness– our routine stayed the same. She was always grounding. Always loyal. pic.twitter.com/FhnwcBgqcd — Gregg Favre (@GreggFavre) May 10, 2019
And while losing Bella is no doubt earth-shattering for Favre, he knows that the two of them made the most of their time together, and that "love and loss go hand in hand."
I could spend weeks posting pictures & telling you stories of how funny, brave & tender she was.
My point to all of this is that love & loss go hand in hand. Bella & I made the most of our time & I hope that in your life, you are cultivating your own brand of joy. pic.twitter.com/mHPitHOcwl — Gregg Favre (@GreggFavre) May 10, 2019
If you weren't already crying, then watch the video that Favre posted, which features more photos of Bella along with the poem that he read to her every day on their walks since she was diagnosed with cancer four months ago. The poem is called "Walking the Roads of Our Youth."
It's about always walking alongside one another, and it ends with the lines, "And if your heart’s full of sorrow, keep walking/Don’t rest/And promise me from heart to chest to never let your memories die/Never/I will always be alive and by your side/In your mind/I’m free."
"As I held her last night, before she slipped away, I told her once more, 'heart to chest,'" Favre wrote.
Finally, if youve come this far in this thread, please watch this short clip.
Since her diagnosis 4 months ago, I’ve said this poem to Bella on every walk we’ve taken. As I held her last night, before she slipped away, I told her once more, “heart to chest.” Goodbye my friend. pic.twitter.com/sWuH4cZtYo — Gregg Favre (@GreggFavre) May 10, 2019
And if you really want to be emotionally destroyed, Favre also revealed that he donated Bella's unused cancer medication to families in need. He invited everyone to donate to Stray Rescue—an organization in St. Louis, Missouri, that helps dogs like Bella by providing medical care.
Today we donated her unused cancer meds to other families who might not be able to afford the prescription.
If able, consider a donation to @StrayRescue, who provided initial med care to Bella when she was rescued. They do incredible work for dogs like Bella Every. Single. Day. pic.twitter.com/w9rdGt27kS — Gregg Favre (@GreggFavre) May 10, 2019
Needles to say, everyone who read the thread was immediately blinded by tears, and many people shared their own stories and photos about losing their best friends.
Losing a pet hurts so much, but even in our sorrow, we know that we are blessed to have been able to experience this kind of unconditional love.
And for more on why every dog deserves to die in the arms of their beloved human, read this veterinarian's heartbreaking, viral note about the hardest thing about putting down pets.
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