I once loved a puppy with all my heart

I thought I would die the day we had to rehome her.
I didn’t die. I simply cried until the tears were gone.
I thought my heart would break. It didn’t it just has another scar.
It was not something I ever imagined I’d have to do.
I was committed to this little red haired angel.
But the day the negative results came back I knew, as a caregiver, I had to make a choice.
Continue on my burn out path or throw up the surrender flag and admit I cannot do everything.
I had no more to give.
It wasn’t fair to either of them…or me.
At first I felt terrible guilt. Why couldn’t I cope with all the needs of a 5 month old puppy? Other people do it what was wrong with me?
I went into dog ownership severely burnt out. So maybe I can be criticized for that but Amy really wanted to get a dog so I agreed believing her health would improve but if she died I’d have a companion.
All good in theory. But reality has other ideas.
I hate reality.
More infections, more tests, more stress, more tears. No place for a sweet demanding puppy.
She’s gone to a home with no cancer, lots of kids and love.

I once loved a puppy with all of my heart.