Only those who have ever owned a pet can relate to how much it hurts to say goodbye. It was more than a decade ago, in 2008, when Ashley met Kingsley. He was a Bernese mountain dog, and although Ashley did not think much of having a pet dog, she knew he was coming home when she saw him. With Kingsley’s presence, it felt like she had a constant support system, a protector, and a companion with whom she would always be comfortable.
Kingsley was more than a pet for Ashley, as no matter how tough life got for her, and on days she couldn’t control her emotions, it felt like Kingsley understood everything. She gets to experience why people say dgos are the best companions, as their ability to interpret human feelings and being a pillar of happiness was far better than she had expected. Kingsley was always around her owner, especially when she needed someone to be there. Even when Ashley had to go through a knee surgery, Kingsley never left her side. It felt like he was a best friend who stood beside her to care for her, no matter what happened.
Ashley had loved Kingsley since day one, and the two had moved from one apartment to another several times. Not just this, but even when Ashley moved in with her parents, they loved him dearly, and Kingsley was treated like just another part of the family. There he lived his best life, had acres to run around, and had many more people to love him. During her journey with Kingsley, Ashley also met the love of her life, and soon they bought a house. Kingsley did not disappoint the couple when they were worried about him adjusting to Hank, Ashley’s boyfriend’s cat. He clearly did not enjoy walks, but how he snuggled for hours on the couch brought the little family tons of joy.
The worst part of owning a pet is having to say goodbye to them, and it was in 2017, when winters were at their peak, that Kingsley contracted a cough. Ashley did not worry much at first, as it seemed okay, and dogs usually develop seasonal colds; however, it was time to visit a vet when days passed. The visit did not go as Ashley expected it to be, as the vet diagnosed him with lung cancer. It was fatally spreading throughout his lungs, and the vet already warned her that his condition was bad. This was when Ashley’s world shattered. Knowing his favorite companion and constant supporter was weeks away from passing away, Ashley wanted to focus on his comfort and give him love to her maximum capacity.
The next few weeks were about spoiling Kingsley with treats over every little thing and the jeep rides he loved. Ashley spent most of his time comforting and loving him; even her friends came to bid him goodbye. One of her friends, also a photographer, captured precious moments, and soon after that, his spark slowly faded away, and he did not enjoy any of his favorite things now. Kingsley passed away peacefully in Ashley’s arms; the hardest goodbye ever! However, this was not the end of Ashley’s pain, as while she tried healing herself, the news of her brother’s passing away just ten days later was another immense tragedy in her life.
Her brother Brian had been a warrior since childhood and had contracted a severe infection. It was for days when he was hospitalized, and while the doctors tried their best, they could not save him. Brian’s last words brought Ashley peace, and he assured her it would be okay. Four days after the previous call, the strongest and most selfless human she knew passed away. Losing your favorite people is a constant part of life; however, the incident shattered Ashley in ways she could never imagine, but the love and resilience both taught her will forever stay with her.
