I still can’t believe this is real. My best friend, the dog who has been by my side for years, has a brain tumor, and there’s not much time left. It feels like a nightmare I can’t wake up from. For as long as I can remember, he has been a constant presence in my life—always there to greet me with a wagging tail when I come home, always by my side during the good days and the bad. I never imagined a day when he wouldn’t be here, but now, that reality is closing in on us faster than I ever thought possible.

I remember the first day we met. He was just a little puppy back then, full of life and energy. His eyes were bright, and his tail never seemed to stop wagging. It was as if he had endless reserves of joy and enthusiasm for everything—whether it was chasing a ball in the yard, taking long walks in the park, or simply sitting beside me while I worked or watched TV. Over the years, he became more than just a pet. He was my companion, my confidant, my best friend.

We’ve shared so many moments together. I can still picture him running through the fields, his ears flapping in the wind, his eyes glowing with excitement. He was always there during the happiest times of my life, and even more so during the hardest. Whenever I was down, he seemed to sense it, and he would nudge his head under my hand or curl up beside me as if to say, “I’m here. You’re not alone.” And somehow, that made everything better.

But now, everything has changed. A few months ago, I started noticing small changes in him. He wasn’t as lively as he used to be, and his energy seemed to drain faster. At first, I chalked it up to age—after all, he wasn’t a young dog anymore. But then came the other signs. He started stumbling, losing his balance, and at times, it seemed like he was confused, unsure of where he was. My heart sank the first time I saw him struggle to walk toward me, his legs shaky beneath him. I rushed him to the vet, hoping for something simple, something that could be fixed.

But the news was devastating. After several tests, the vet told me he had a brain tumor. I sat there in the vet’s office, trying to process the words, but they didn’t seem real. A brain tumor? It felt like something that should happen in someone else’s life, not mine, not to my dog. He had always been so strong, so full of life. How could this be happening?

The vet explained that the tumor was aggressive, and there wasn’t much that could be done. Surgery wasn’t an option due to his age and the location of the tumor. Even with treatment, the prognosis was grim. My best friend didn’t have much time left.

I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. How do you prepare to say goodbye to someone who has been such a huge part of your life for so many years? How do you come to terms with the fact that soon, those bright, trusting eyes will no longer look up at you, that you’ll never hear the sound of his paws padding across the floor again?

In the days that followed, I tried to make every moment count. I took time off work, dedicating every day to him. We went for slower walks, ones where he could take his time and rest when he needed. I would sit with him for hours, petting him and talking to him like I always did. But there was a sadness in his eyes now, and I knew he could feel what was happening, too.

As the tumor progressed, his condition worsened. He began to have seizures, and there were days when he couldn’t stand at all. His once-strong body was failing him, and it was heartbreaking to watch. I would hold him, trying to comfort him through the pain, feeling utterly helpless.

The hardest part is knowing that there’s nothing more I can do. I want to save him, to make him better, to keep him with me forever, but I can’t. All I can do now is make his final days as peaceful as possible, to let him know how much he is loved. I try to give him everything he loves—his favorite foods, extra belly rubs, and all the attention in the world. But there’s a weight in my chest that I can’t shake, knowing that every moment is one closer to goodbye.

Some nights, I sit beside him while he sleeps, just watching his chest rise and fall, savoring the quiet moments. I think back on all the years we’ve had together, all the memories we’ve made, and I realize how lucky I am to have had him in my life. He’s taught me so much about love, loyalty, and living in the moment. He’s been there for me in ways that no one else ever has, and even now, as he nears the end, he continues to teach me about strength and resilience.

I still can’t believe this is happening. I don’t know how I’ll cope once he’s gone, how I’ll come home to an empty house without him waiting for me by the door. The thought of it brings tears to my eyes, but I know I have to be strong—for him. He’s given me so much over the years, and now, it’s my turn to give him the love and comfort he deserves in these final days.

The vet says it won’t be long now, maybe a few more weeks, maybe less. I’m dreading the day I have to say goodbye, the day I’ll have to let him go. But I also know that when that time comes, I’ll be there, holding him, just like he’s always been there for me.

Even though it feels impossible to imagine life without him, I know that the love we’ve shared will stay with me forever. He’s not just a dog; he’s my family, my friend, and in many ways, my greatest teacher. As much as it hurts, I am grateful for every moment we’ve had together. And when the time comes, I’ll do my best to say goodbye, knowing that his spirit will always be with me, reminding me of the love and loyalty that defined our years together.