April and I have been friends since we were twelve.  We have gone through a lot together:  middle and high school, teenage crushes, slumber parties, college, getting married, and parents dying.  We’re as close to family as you can get without actually being related.  April and her husband have a furry child, a Golden Retriever named Haylie.

Several weeks ago, April called me because Haylie was sick.  She had stopped eating completely, which is very unusual for any Golden.  The initial tests came back normal, but Haylie wasn’t responding to any treatment.  Unfortunately, an ultrasound revealed that she had cancer.  They began some treatment for the cancer, but she never really recovered.  Haylie was peacefully euthanized with her parents, April and Greg, by her side. 

Today, April emailed me a link to a tribute she wrote for Haylie.  It brings me to tears to read it.  It makes me sad to know how much my friend is hurting.  Also, I am moved (as I constantly am) by the strength of her relationship with Haylie.  April pointed out something that I think is so important in our relationships with our pets—they teach us unconditional love. 

I hope that everyone on this earth can experience a wonderful relationship with an animal.  I see every day how much joy relationships with animals bring their human counterparts.  I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I couldn’t share it with our cats, Theo and Beau.  I am grateful to Haylie for giving April and Greg so much love and joy in their lives. 

Click here to read Haylie’s tribute.