The Night I Thought I’d Lose Him

He collapsed in the kitchen; he just dropped mid-step. My heart stopped. I called his name. He didn’t move. I scooped him up, hands trembling, and rushed to the vet, whispering, “Please, not yet. Please.” In the waiting room, I prayed like I hadn’t in years.

Turns out, it wasn’t the end. He was dehydrated, exhausted from an infection we didn’t know he had.

A few days of meds, and he started wagging again. But that night changed everything. I stopped putting off the extra cuddle. I started saying “I love you” out loud, yes, even to a dog. Because I realized how fast everything can change. How love doesn’t come with a guarantee of forever.

Now, every time I look at him, I remember that night. And I thank God for one more day.