07/21/2023
(Trigger warning: images of pet euthanasia)
Moose was a phenomenal dog. We adopted him from Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue shortly after we were married. He was an important part of our family, bringing together the blended messiness and creating home. We promised him long ago we wouldn’t let him suffer. And, we knew it was time to keep our promise.
We also knew we wanted to be fully present in his celebration of life, in the joy he brought to us, in the Last Day, and in our final goodbye while still capturing the beauty of the moments. So, as weird as it felt, we asked our family photographer, Sara Hurt, if she would accompany us. She’s a softie, and we knew what a big ask this was and that she would cry the whole time. Still, she said yes without hesitation.
We called Lap of Love and scheduled his Rainbow Bridge Crossing for 1pm at our house on July 5th. And then we called friends and family to make his Last Day one worthy of The Moose.
First, we went to Steven & Emily’s house where Moose could swim in a sea of tennis balls. He fell getting in. But he didn’t care. He would do anything for a swim… I think they’re still cleaning hair out of their filters. 😘
Then we stopped by Arby’s to grab his favorite roast beef sandwiches. Four for ten bucks- they must have known he was coming. 🤣 We headed to the park – where he had taken many walks back in his younger years – and he devoured three of the sandwiches. Hoozagoodboy?!
Then, we stopped off at Yellow Dog Coffee Company where Rob and Sereta did what they do best- they made us feel like family. When they heard Moose was coming in for his Last Day Latte, they asked staff and patrons to gather and greet him like royalty, which they did, and Moose ate up the attention…and the whipped cream. There were laughs, tears, and hugs from strangers. There was community and connection. There was celebration.
And finally, we came back home so we could spend a little time just being with him. He was tired. He was ready to rest.
The kids said their goodbyes and went to friends’ houses. A huge thank you to Alicia and Lisa for creating that safe space for the kids.
The vet arrived and was so tender and kind, full of compassion. The experience was incredible and Moose got to cross the Bridge in his own home, surrounded by Love.
We opted for a private cremation and he should return home soon, to take his place on the shelf with the others that devoted their entire lives to making our family complete.
I wasn’t sure I would share these. But I want you to know there was a dog named Moose. And I want you to know how deeply grateful I am to have known and loved him. To have been loved by him.
And, I hope I can encourage someone to celebrate and make it a big effin’ deal on Last Day. They deserve it.
There are so many of you I’d love to tag and thank for your texts, calls, cards, and love. They meant the world to us. ❤️
📷 Sara Biese Hurt with Sara's Photo Creations, llc