R.I.P. My Dear Onyx

Yesterday, I had to do one of the hardest things ever. I had to watch my best friend pass away. Onyx was our family's dog, we adopted her when she was 2 years old. She was 14 years old and had given us 12 wonderful years of companionship. I was about 10 or 11 when she came to live with us.
She was always so sweet and loving, almost human-like. I can imagine her as one of those warm old women you love to be with, like Mrs. Potts from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I can see her greeting you with wide open arms and a cup of tea. I imagine that if she was a human she would have jet black hair with white streaks (in her old age of course) and those same warm brown eyes she had as a dog.

This was the last photo I took with Onyx. It was about 2 hours before Lisa(my sister) and I had to take her to the vet and put her down, her health had finally failed her. She could not breath properly, she couldn't eat, and she was very weak. Watching her go and then having to leave her body at the vet was unbearable. She passed away at 12:30 PM, thankfully everyone in our family had a chance to say their good byes. I will miss her everyday.

The following poem was given to me today by a dear friend who had also gone through such a tragedy. I thought it would be fitting to include it as well.

From Onyx
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever-faithful friend,
... a young dog once again.