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One of the most heartbreaking things about having a pet is outliving them. But caring for them until the very end, whether we're talking to them, listening to them cough or carrying them up and down the stairs, is one of the most important parts of our duty as owners. Furthermore, they deserve it. Those countless smiles, hugs, and snuggles they've been bathing us in throughout the years have made our lives, so it's only fair we do the same for them when they need us the most. Not because we have to; because it's the right thing to do.

28-year-old Jessika Coker perfectly described this feeling in a Facebook post she made in 2019. And it still hasn't faded away into Internet oblivion, having received over 121K reactions and 113K shares. And something tells me it never will -- Jessika's words captured the ever-relevant hardships of dealing with the passing of time and serving as a reminder to cherish the moments we still have.

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"My dog Moose is growing older and I've noticed him start to slow down," Jessika told Bored Panda. "As he was laying in bed with me one night, I began to cry thinking about how much my life would change without him. He has been like a shadow to me. Something you don't notice every moment, but is always quietly there on your heels."

"He has been with me my entire adult life. When I was learning how to be alone, he was there so I didn’t have to be. When writing down my thoughts, the words just flowed out of me as I truly do cherish him and everything he has gone through with me over the years. It seems odd to think that there will be a time that he will not be there for a major event in my life as he has been for all of the others."

After reading Jessika's post, people started relating to her by sharing similar stories of their own

#1

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

 Fletcher was by my side through 3 homes, 3 other dogs, my wedding, deaths of dear friends and family members, a human brother, and every anxiety attack that ever crossed through my body. We said our final goodbye April 2018. He was 18. I miss him so much.

Kama Stine Bennett Report

Moose just turned 10 but Jessika met him when he was just a pup. "I got him the day I graduated high school. I found him at a vet's office I had been volunteering for. He was brought in and surrendered with all of his brothers and sisters and he just pulled at my heart. He was the only puppy that cared to come to me and when I would put him back with his siblings, he would cry wanting to come back out with me."

#2

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My Sofia will be 17 on Sat. You don’t realize that there will be so many lasts-last walks, last time she’s able to walk up the stairs, or jump off the couch. We adapt but watching her hurt, seeing her personality fade. It’s so hard. I appreciate every day I have with her.

Gentry McGuire Report

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Maura Hayskar
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Watching their personality fade. This is so true and hits home. My children can't quite understand

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Jessika still remembers being on her senior trip and unlike most of the other kids in her class, she was ready to go home just so that she could see her little puppy. "Moose has always been a calm spirit. He is almost like a quiet guardian of our home," she explained. "He is the most gentle dog I have ever met and as the years with him progressed, I began to bring more animals home as it slowly turned into a wildlife sanctuary. He has become a rock for all of the animals who are shy and scared. They bond with him and as long as he is around, they have the confidence to do as they please instead of hiding in fear."

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#3

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A Saint Bernards life expectancy is 8 to 10 years. Belle is almost 12 every day with her is a blessing! She had surgery 4 years ago and they told me she maybe had a year left! I cherish every moment with my girl!

Cara Zellers Report

The woman's love for animals began when she was growing up outside a town in Georgia. Jessika rarely had other kids around to play with, so she spent most of her time in the woods and with her family dogs.

"When I moved to Florida a few years ago, I didn’t know anyone and it felt like my childhood all over again where my dog was my constant companion," Jessika said.

Jessika shared her thoughts on Moose getting old on Juniper Fox, a page dedicated to Juniper, Fig, and Elmwood -- three North American red foxes living out their lives in a home full of rescued exotics. "They were each born in captivity and are descended from fur-farm foxes. Because of their genetic differences from their wild counterparts, they cannot be released into the wild, but live happy, full lives with their loving adoptive family and their doggo brothers." She said people reacted to the post by telling her that they had a similar experience, that they did not know what they would do when their senior dog passes.

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"I think most of us who have had pets know the feeling. We all explore the thought that one day they will not be with us and that we will have to bear that grief. My post was meant to be a reminder that each day with them is special because we never know how few of those days we truly have," Jessika said.

#4

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My soul mate... she made it 14 years and passed away last June. My life hasn’t been the same since. I’ll love you forever Sango

Jessica Ring Report

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lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please adopt another pup. You have so much love and there are so many pups who would adore you. It would make the pup who had to leave you so happy to know that you are sharing all that love with another pup who needs it, desperately.

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#5

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Absolutely correct. Chappy is 13.5 and now totally deaf. I'm so glad I taught him hand signals along with voice. He understands things anyhow. Almost instinctively knows what I want and i know what he wants because so many things became routine for him. If I spin around, he knows it's dance time. Don't even want to imagine life without him. He's traveled around the country with me, went to college with me, and most recently licks the tears from my face that I shed from losing my son and snuggles with me. They are a great comforter. They are special!!

Vicki Cantrell Report

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Kisses4Katie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh goodness I'm so sorry. I'm glad Chappy is by your side- and I sincerely hope he's there as long as you need him and as long as he's comfortable. You're in my thoughts

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#6

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This is my Hank.
I don't know exactly how old he is because he was a middle of the road rescue.
He was starved and abused to the point that my vet said the best he could do age wise was a guess.
He's somewhere between 4 and 8 years old.
I saved him a few months after my husband died.
He's been saving me ever since.
I'll be his mom 3 and a half years this June.
I hope they've been the best years of his life

Sharon Stacey Report

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lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heart weeps for you, I am so sorry. Give Hand a kiss from me. I know you aren't going to see this, but that is how I feel.

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#7

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 My grand dog, Rocky, passed away this morning. He was a shelter rescue in Michigan and the sweetest little guy. We are all heartbroken

Trudy Gaughran Report

#8

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My old lady just turned 17, and I could swear I just got her a couple of years ago. The years...they go fast. She's seen me through relationships, apartments, our house (which I bought so she could have a yard) and everything from my late twenties to mid-forties. I don't know what my life will look like when she's gone, but until then, I'm loving her pretty hard

Shasta Kalin Report

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deanna woods
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks pretty good for an old lady. You two have been through a lot together.

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#9

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My Harley. Got him as a rescue when he was 1. Just turned 12. He's doing pretty good for an a old man. But, we know he only has a few more years, so we're making the best of it.

Nicky Merkel Report

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Klaudiia Sherbatzky
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My biggest love turns 11 this year , he is also a chihuahua and his name is Bambii , I can´t imagine a life without him. He is my everything. Everyday is special with him

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#10

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

This was Roxy on her last day. She was surrounded by her pack. It's wild to me how dogs just know when it's the end. She was 15 died two weeks ago.

Rachelle Cardinal Report

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lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make sure if you have to have a pup "put down" you either do it at home or you bring them home afterwards, so the other pups will "know" and can say good bye, or you may have them looking for her for months.

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#11

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

My ride or die girl almost 2 years post-cancer-diagnosis and so thankful she's still by my side.

Kerrie Mitchener McDevitt Report

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lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So am I, it is the ONLY unconditional love you will every receive. And bless her memory by showing how much love you have for her by blessing a new pup when the time comes.

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#12

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The best part of my life. They have been by my side for 10 years and I hope to be blessed with many more

Elyse Elizabeth Report

#13

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Our sweet Monty passed away two weeks ago. He gave us 15 years of happy love and we did love on him every day, knowing his time with us would always be too short

Iris Ralston Report

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#14

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Oh my heart Sadie will be 12 this year and I cherish every day I have left her

Kim Doyle Report

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CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I miss my German Shepherd sooo much! My Sweet Dutchess. Not a day goes by that I do not think of her.

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#15

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15 year old Bailey.
It’ll break my heart when he is no longer here

Lauren Brewer Report

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DJ
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am 74 years old and have had many a dog break my heart when their time comes. Let me assure you, keep your heart open and you will "see them" again.....sort of out of the corner of your eye. Their sweet spirits are always with you.

#16

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The love of my life, my little shadow and second heartbeat 14 years old and 12 years by my side. Without him I'm unperfect

Annika Nitsch Report

#17

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Bailey (Bails) was rescued from an abusive household. She was the first dog i ever had and a surprise birthday present from my dad. She was so gentle and kept to herself most of the time til i brought milo (rescue pup) home and I got to see her be a puppy with him. I have her to thank for shaping milo into the pup he is today. The day she passed away, milo mooped and whined the entire day. We both miss her so much. It’ll be 2 years this April

Alex Morris Report

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Sue Sanders
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so sorry. It's so hard to say goodbye, but a joy that you'll be together again.

#18

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

Love this. Could not be more true. This is my 12 year old baby, Belle. Just found out that she has a lung tumor, so I am cherishing every day!

Amanda Pitman Report

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#19

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Andre will be 16 years old in April and I've had him since I was 15. This really touched me because I've had him now for half of my life and he's been there with me before, during and after everything and everyone. I know that day is coming and that I'll never be full ready for it but I'm so thankful for how he always stayed by my side and loved me through it all

Danielle Brown Report

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Candice Ravel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got my dog when I turned 12 and had her 15 years. She passed away on July 23 2001 and she was my soulmate. Her birthday is July 10 1986, so July has been a rough month since she passed almost 19 years ago.

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#20

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It's true. This girl turned 9 years old last month. I adopted her as a 7 week old puppy when my first born was 4 months old and my husband was deployed. She's been by my side more than anyone else, literally. She's having mobility issues now due to hip dysplasia and arthritis and it absolutely kills me to think she won't be around much longer.

Megan Kemler Report

#21

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

 Our first baby, she'll be 10 in a few weeks. She picked my husband all those years ago. She has dementia and forgets where she is and who we are sometimes but she still gives great snuggles

Stephanie Pitts Report

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Terry Hawkins
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My 15 year old Schnauzer also has doggie dementia (canine cognitive disorder). Most days are good (no symptoms) but there are times when he just paces incessantly in confusion and I pick him up and snuggle him to calm him down. I know it's only a matter of time as his dementia gets worse and takes away larger parts of his personality and life. His death is a decision I really don't want to have to make and my heart breaks a little more every day.

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#22

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This touches right on spot. 11 years before I can blink. Love my old lady
House won't be the same without her

Aireal Danyus Report

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Sue Sanders
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Of course, it won't. Absence makes the heart . . . well, you know how that goes.

#23

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

My baby girl lived almost 14 1/2 years. I miss her every day.

Judy Alkema Komenovich Report

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CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at the beautiful gray on her face. Her eyes can tell a thousand stories. Bless this beautiful baby.

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#24

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

11 in June. Been there by my side through so many things. He got sick a few months ago and gave us a scare. I love having so many years with him but hate watching him age. He needs a pause button. He's a forever dog. I don't want to ever have to say goodbye

Robin Jinkins Report

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CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand. My dog Roamer got sick with Blasto ( a rare fungal infection) He was a the vet every month from May until October. The vet finally figured it out when he removed a lymph node, thinking it was cancer. So rare he had to get his books out and read what exactly it was. He made it through it, thank goodness. Medication so expensive in the US we had to order it from Canada. Thank you Canada for helping saving my dogs life!

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#25

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I miss my Basset Hound Chelsea so much. She passed away a year ago this month from dementia. She was my life

Christal Barrett Woodward Report

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ruthenium the ruther
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so sorry. The best thing about having pets is that they will be there for you. The worst thing is that at some point or another they will have to move on.

#26

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This rings so true to me, I lost my gorgeous lab maxi nearly a year ago to the day. I’m so lucky to have a fantastic back girl in my life who lets me share in time with her gorgeous hound too.

Steve Jones Report

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CincyReds
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those eyes, I have a black alb mix, amazing dogs, and not looking forward to this day. My kids say they even worry about me when the time comes. WE are together all the time! Working from home now, so defnitely all the time!

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#27

Aging-Old-Dogs-Juniper-Fox

My poor baby girl is coming up on 15 yrs now and I havent got to see her in 2 yrs last I saw her she was starting to go blind and was having a hard time getting around my dad's yard sadly I'm just waiting g to hear them tell me she passed. My older lab Sam passed away 2 years ago after 15 yrs of being in my life. I miss them both dearly

Danielle Sparks Report

#28

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My Lucy girl. She is 7. She was my first baby before my human ones I dread her last day.

Lauren Hodgson Report

#29

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This one will be eight in May. Had her since she was weeks old, not ready for her to get old! She is absolutely family and her and her little sister are very loved

Ty Veri Report

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#30

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And once you've lost your heart dog you'll never be the same. You'll never feel the same pure joy with your other pets. Because the memory of what it feels like to lose them will always be in the back of your mind

Trina Dodge Report

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Vero Morales
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cant stop crying, its so hard. I cant even try to think what my life would be withou my Tita(she is a cat, but its the samem, she has been with me trough so much)

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