Navigating the Absence of a Loyal Companion

Losing a beloved pet can feel like losing a family member. It’s an experience filled with heartache. Reba was not just a pet; she was my adventure partner and confidant. For the last 8 years, she has accompanied me everywhere and has never far from my side. The emptiness left behind has be unbearable, especially in the daily activities that no longer include my furry other half.

Remembering the Good Times

Reba was so much more than a dog; she was my best friend. We explored numerous hiking trails together, with each trek bringing laughter and joy. I remember vividly our trips to Old Rag, we're we learned at the start of the hike she was not allowed to the summit and after 4 miles of hiking I would have to carry her almost 2 miles down when she decided she was done for the day. I also remember when I first got her from my sister and our hike in White Oak Canyon, the first time she saw snow, and her playful confusion of where they snow ball when after she caught it. Those moments were special, filled with trust, love, and genuine adventure.

It didn't matter where we were going and what I was getting into, Reba was always there. Adventures were our escape, and her excited demeanor added a unique aspect that just makes traveling without her feel off. The moments we spent exploring taught me about the beauty of companionship. It’s in those experiences that I often found a deeper connection to nature, alongside Reba.

Reba's favorite trail would always be White Oak Canyon

As I ponder these memories, it's clear that the heartache of her absence is not just about losing her playful antics. It’s about acknowledging that life has changed without her spirited presence.

The Void She Left Behind

One of the toughest aspects of losing Reba has been the persistent sense of emptiness. The silence in my home, once filled with her playful chime of her collar, the click-clack of her nails on the wood floor and her general presence, now feels deafening. Daily chores, like feeding her and taking her for walks, remind me of a vital piece that is now missing. Going about my day without constantly tripping over her and her body pressing against mine feels unbearable.

Every room conjures memories. The spot next the couch where Reba curled up on her bed brings back bittersweet nostalgia. I often find myself speaking to her in my mind, wishing for one more wag of her tail or soft nuzzle. Even with all the lose and heartache I have experienced over the years, the bond we shared has made this emotional journey a profound one.

Reba's loved giving kisses

Remembering the My Best Friend

Reba lived an amazingly fulfilling life. At 17 years old, her regular vet said the only reason she lived to be so old was because of how active we were in our life together. On, June 30th, 2025 she suffered a seizure while letting her out for her morning potty.

A day of medical exams would find a mass on her spleen with signs that it had been bleeding and the likely diagnosis that the seizures were the result of the mass on her spleen metastasizing and spreading to her brain. We were release home, where we made he comfortable and I would spend the next two days, sleeping next to her, never leaving her side, with the same diligence that she had so lovingly and unconditionally given me over the years. In the early morning of July 2nd, I took Reba to the park to lay in the grass at our favorite daily trail head, where she would unexpectedly refuse to lay down and end up taking one final walk with me before pass peacefully in her sleep later that morning.

The universe could not have provided me with a better companion, friend, or partner. Her lost has devastated our family and I will miss her with everything I have. All we can do now is be thankful she is no longer hurting, and hope to see her in the next life.

She never left my side and I wouldn't leave hers at the end.