That was the hardest decision we ever had to make. You keep swinging back and forth between “he’s doing so badly, maybe it’s for the best” and “he seemed better again today, maybe it’s still too soon.” One thing is certain: letting go is not easy. Having to make that decision yourself and being afraid you might regret it later. We chose the day after his 16th birthday. That was going to be the day we said goodbye. Not because we wanted to delay it, but so we could prepare ourselves and celebrate him one more time the way he deserved. I always told myself that once he could no longer enjoy two of his favorite things, going for walks and treats, then I had to accept that it was time. And on that day, those conditions were met. Even though he ate a lot on his last day, in the days before he could barely eat anything, had lost a lot of weight, and struggled just to go on a short walk. Even though I didn’t want to let go, I had to. I had to let my best friend go after 16 wonderful years, even though it still breaks my heart to this day. Because I hope that wherever he is now, he’s doing better, and because I believe that someday we’ll see each other again, where we’ll go on a long walk together and I’ll shower him with treats. #petloss #goldenretriever #marley #childhooddog - @marleythesenior