On the highway back from the vet, Sara huddled weakly in a quilt, its head resting on little Youyou’s lap. The sparkle in its eyes was gone, replaced by heavy, labored breaths. Over 200 kilometers still lay between us and home, yet deep down I knew—we wouldn’t make it back together.
On November 20, 2024, Sara collapsed at our community entrance. At the hospital, the vet delivered the cruel truth: a ruptured splenic tumor. Even if surgery succeeded, time was short. I signed the critical notice through a blur of tears, clinging to hope while knowing the odds.
After surgery, I tied my jade pendant onto Sara’s collar, a silent prayer for safety. But just months later, the cancer spread. Blood loss, incontinence, refusing food—Sara’s suffering deepened each day. At night, my husband and I took turns watching over it, whispering comfort even as our throats tightened with grief.
To little Youyou, Sara wasn’t just a pet—it was her sister. Sara tugged my clothes when Youyou cried, and played house with her every afternoon. Sometimes, Sara even pretended to sleep so Youyou could nap peacefully in its fur. After Sara’s passing, Youyou still calls out for it every day when she comes home, searching the house with innocent eyes.
I gathered hundreds of photos, printing them one by one, trying to capture the fragments of our life together. Yet no matter how many albums I filled, there remained an empty ache in my chest—a silence only Sara used to fill.
On the seventh day after Sara’s passing, I placed a small maple wood tombstone in our living room. On it we carved:
“Thank you for ten years of companionship.
Thank you for growing up with Little Sister.
We will love you forever.
—Dad, Mom, Little Sister.”
Part of every puchases will supports animal foundation. Each product you purchase provides 5 nutritious meals for stray dogs and cats, who would otherwise eat rocks and dirt from hunger.
Turn your memories into a lasting tribute. With our Pet Online Memorial, you can upload photos, write heartfelt stories, and create a digital legacy that keeps your beloved companion’s spirit alive.
Create Free Listing
Comment (2)
I know the pain off losing a dog. It’s almost as bad as losing one’s child. It’s coming up to almost 2 years since my Sadie died and I still get choked up. You had a lovely time with Sara and it’ll be great to review all the joy that she brought. Dogs are God’s little angels on earth. I wish you the best!
Thanks for this wonderful life-sharing experience you had with Sara.