As much as we would like to rescue and provide for every homeless animal we see, the sad truth is that not all suffering creatures can be saved. Unfortunately, that’s what Janine Guido, founder of Speranza Animal Rescue, was forced to accept when she first met Watson.

Watson, a hungry and homeless pitbull, was rescued by a college student after they discovered him alone in a Philadelphia park. The student took the poor puppy to the emergency vet. He was covered in sores all over his body. He also has a huge tumor developing on his back leg. Unfortunately, Watson was running out of time, and the vet informed the college student that his chance was slim because the cancer had spread.

Watson was then transferred to a local shelter, where staff pledged to make him as comfortable as possible during his remaining time.

“I had a gut feeling that things wouldn’t be good the next day,” Guido told The Dodo. “I didn’t want to leave him alone. Not when he needed me most.”

Guido then offers to stay by Watson’s side. She got him blankets and a dog bed, then lay down with him and hugged him tightly. Guido spent the whole night holding Watson in her arms.

“He slept like a rock all night, hugging me tight,” Guido commented. “I cried myself to sleep, and I woke up crying too.”

The next morning, Watson refused to eat or drink. He also started moving in circles, and that’s when Guido realized the end was near. She continued to give him love and care, making sure he was not alone.

Watson died soon after, but at least he knew he was loved.

“I’m so grateful that I was able to hold him tight on his last night,” he said. “I was telling him how much he was loved, and that his life mattered. My heart was breaking, but I wouldn’t change anything.”

Rest in peace, little Watson. Perhaps this story will serve as a lesson for all of us to always do our part to help animals who do not have a loving home.