On December 1, 2025, my pup looked at me, and I knew it was time. Our family had called upon Dr…read more Gonzalez before, so there was no question in my mind who to call again.
Unlike our previous experience where we were able to book ahead of time and plan for our pup's passing, this was a circumstance where our baby needed immediate services -- his body was failing. Once I saw our senior 13-yr old pup was telling me it was okay, I called Dr. Gonzalez at 7pm. She was at our home by 10pm.
Our pup had been sick for several years, and in that last week, our primary vet had already told us his health was declining, so we at least knew the end was near. And I had already mentally prepared to be strong and let him go when he needed to -- so I had Dr. Gonzalez's number on hand.
We live in an apartment building, so we reserved a spot for her in our lot as close as possible to an exit. She came upstairs to our home, and she had brought all her equipment. I had already imagined how I wanted this experience to go for my once in a lifetime soul pup. I sat on his favorite place on the sofa, and I had him in my lap. Dr. Gonzalez gave me a pee pad to wrap around him within the blanket understanding there could be an accident in the process as his body released his spirit.
I had a candle lit. I had soft music playing. We had low lighting on to honor what was about to happen. Dr. Gonzalez was also super accommodating to our 2nd puppy who was curious about her and wondering what was happening to his big brother. She didn't shoo him away -- she invited us to keep the puppy around so he can know his big brother was about to pass on.
She gave us time to speak to Nuxx, love on him, and then let him go. Then, it finally happened. And Dr. Gonzalez stepped out of our apartment for awhile, giving our little family time to grieve, sob, and hold our baby close. Our puppy sniffed him too and said his goodbyes. Then she came back, and she asked us if we wanted to be the ones to carry him out or she was happy to do so. My husband carried him, myself and our puppy followed along -- felt like a procession down our apartment hallway. We got to Dr. Gonzalez's car, and we gently placed our baby's body in her car, and said our goodbyes again. Then...it was done.
Throughout the experience, Dr. Gonzalez was so incredibly supportive, gentle, understanding, and patient. What else can you ask for when such a heartbreaking thing is occurring? When a spirit is literally fading in your arms? I am still not over losing him, but at least I know we gave him the most peaceful send-off we could: in his own home, in our arms, surrounded by so much love.
If / when we need to go through again, I will continue to call on Dr. Gonzalez.
RIP Nuxx.