My beloved Louis died in my arms Sunday. The cancer was too fast to treat this time, and it was time to end his suffering.

His sweet face was my constant for the last ten years. My little guy who came with me everywhere. Whose wellbeing factored into all my decisions. Who inspired and received the greatest expression of love that I have ever shared. And I do not know how to be without him. Every chair should have him curled up on it. Every sunbeam should have him sleeping in it. Every rustling treat bag should bring him running, but they don’t. And they won’t. And the pain of realizing this over and over and over again is unbearable. I am shattered.

Louis was a soul gazer, a snuggle bunny, and a treat freak, but mostly a sweet, sweet boy made of unwavering, unquestioning, unconditional love. He opened my heart, and I am so grateful for having had the privilege of being his mom. He was a wonderful big brother to his little fur sister Zoe, and we are going to miss him so terribly. Goodbye my sweet Louis. You will always be with us. You are so very, very loved.

Alicia C.