Remembering Tenshi: A Family's Farewell

My handsome sweet prince crossed the rainbow bridge after a sudden bout of bloat.

Tenshi was a member of our family for 11 sweet years as the goofiest, greatest, most loving boy. He saved me during my darkest days after I got out of the Army, helped me avoid becoming a statistic, he went from being my service pup to being my goofiest friend.

Despite his age and size, he never ceased to be the sweetest puppy. I will forever miss the way he pranced around when he was happy or excited, his happy high fives, his sweet kisses, and above all, the softest, furriest cuddles imaginable.

To say we are devastated is an understatement.

Last night, he started pacing a little like he couldn’t get comfortable. When my wife went to check to see if something was the matter, that’s when we saw his stomach and immediately knew our adventure with him was coming to an end. I rushed him to the vet in hopes that it was something else, but they quickly confirmed my heartbreak.

He never whined nor cried; he remained his normal aloof self until the very end. He slipped gently into that sweet night as I held on to him in his final moments. He slipped in the same way he lived, silently but full of love.

I'm only seeking to cover the vet bills and memorial expenses to help my daughter honor and remember her best friend.