05/01/2026
“The world is hard on beautiful things.”
No dog is ever ‘just’ a dog, to me. Never will I ever treat a single dog, as such. These dogs are a part of my family, just as much as they are a part of yours. This past Monday, I lost another family member. Ashley was such a special, special girl. The smile that stretched across her face, never left; even when she would endure the heart-wrenching struggles, adjusting to the devilish side effects of chemo— you never caught her, without that smile.
I met Ash in the summer of 2024. I had assisted with drop-in visits, multiple times, each being 4x a day for over a week. We’d begin our mornings with a tasty breakfast on the couch, while watching either old, classic episodes of Looney Tunes, or I Love Lucy. Ashley’s favorite thing in the world, was sun bathing (hence, all the photos of her, basking in the rays). She was such a silly, chunky-monkey. From the very first day I met her, I knew that her and I would become just as close as we had. And, for that bond, I am eternally grateful. Not only did I fall in love with Ash, but my heart became attached to her family. Ashley was surrounded by such amazing, warm souls; a family who rescued, not only her, but her brother, and well over a dozen stray cats; going above and beyond to get them fixed, and finding them homes, (and ultimately, keeping 8 of them). Pure animal lovers. Ashley could not have had a better support system; I was so honored to constantly receive all updates on her condition, and while doing so, I had all the faith in the world that Ash would kick this damn C word to the curb; we all had the utmost faith in her. Ash fought tooth and nail, and then gained her shimmering wings.
I’ll always miss you, pretty girl.
Wherever you are up there,
never lose that smile.🪽✨
(Pitbull, age 13)
