These last few days have been quite chaotic; my mom’s health has deteriorated, but we’re hanging in there, doing the best we can. This situation reminded me of how I fought for my dear old dog—the one giving me a big kiss in the photo—who passed away in February of this year. And while the blow is even harder because it involves my mom, I’m left with mixed emotions; I’m overcome with sadness, as I cared for him so deeply—he was such a sweet, gentle soul—and it brought back the moment he physically left my side. Many might not understand—they might say, "a dog is just a dog"—but when you spend time with them, care for them, and dedicate a huge part of your life and your daily routine to them, the bond becomes unbreakable. I know that my dear old boy, my Hercules—who was as noble and respectful as all my four-legged companions—is looking after my mom; he’s sending his best energy her way, knowing just how much she means to me.

One ​​of the hardest things about Hercules was trying to get a good selfie with him; he loved to kiss me so much that I couldn’t even get close to him without his little tongue swiping across my face. Remembering this now, I wish he could give me those little kisses again—I miss that so much about my baby. I miss knowing how much I meant to him; I miss his laziness and his complete lack of concern for anything—he was just so incredibly laid-back. As long as he had his own special bed, along with food and water, he was perfectly happy. He always showed me just how happy and at peace he was. Perhaps that’s why he left my side so soon—he was only with me for four years, yet he seemed like such an old soul. It breaks my heart that a creature as noble as him ever had to live on the streets. I will always carry his sweet kisses in my heart.