That morning really did start off like any other. I got up for work, got ready, gave Wilbur his morning medicine by placing the pill in the cheese Oscar Meyer that he loved so much. However, Wilbur wouldn’t let me out of his sight, following me room to room panting. He just couldn’t get comfortable. It wouldn’t be too much later that 27th day of July, 2022, that he took his last breath, in my arms, with my mom and grandmother by our side.

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Wilbur was my canine soulmate for 13 years. He came into my life on a warm September day in 2009. My ex-husband and I drove over an hour away to pick this little guy up from a breeder who was going out of business. This Scottish Terrier puppy was adorable and full of life. From that day on, Wilbur remained by my side.

It took me a while to come up with a name for this pup. Nothing ever seemed to “fit,” until we watched him eat and rustle around in the covers. He loved rooting around under the covers like a pig. It was after many of these “pig like” moments that “Wilbur” popped into my head. Charlotte’s Web was one of my favorite movies as a child and that’s how Wilbur became “Wilbur the Scottie.”

Wilbur was my best friend. He was a great listener and even better cuddle buddy. He got me through the darkest of days and the worst of times. He was my comfort during my divorce. He was my rock during the death of my step-dad. Wilbur was my only stability when he and I moved out of state because I decided we needed a change of scenery. He was there when all the pregnancy tests came back negative. He was there when I needed to cry and scream when the doctor told me I couldn’t have children. Wilbur was wherever I was to insure that I would get through it all.

Wilbur’s vet always described him as “not your typical Scottish Terrier.” He was very calm, nonchalant, and loving … when he wanted to be. Although, Wilbur was very stubborn he was never a bad dog. He loved everyone and loved to EAT! Boy, did he ever love food … any food! Wilbur was never aggressive towards children or other people. He loved the attention from anyone.

Wilbur had always been a healthy dog for the most part. I always made sure he was taken care of and had the best medical care. It was in the last few years of his life that he started to struggle. He became slower and his legs became weaker. His full of energy attitude turned into napping all the time, anywhere and in any position.

The Beginning of Goodbye

I started to notice his belly become more swelled and I knew his eating habits hadn’t changed, so there was a lot of concern. Over time his breathing became more labored so, I decided he needed to see the vet. The next few weeks that followed would be difficult and consisted of a “wait and see.” Wilbur was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. At first it was manageable and he didn’t show too many signs of the disease. But then he underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, this would be the beginning of the end.

Wilbur’s surgery went well and he was home in 2-3 days. I made him comfortable and would sleep with him on the couch. He slowly recovered. His vet had told me that most dogs his age, after this type of surgery, would still live another year or two. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for my beloved Wilbur.

A week or two after Wilbur’s surgery he collapsed in my arms and I rushed him to the vet. When I arrived they took him straight back, hooked him up to I-Vs, and performed some x-rays. Wilbur had a lot of fluid on his lungs and we had to transport him to a 24 hour animal hospital.

Wilbur had several more liters of fluid drained off his lungs and we were able to bring him home many hours later. He and I cuddled up on the couch for the next two days. That following Monday Wilbur was not himself. He wouldn’t eat, which was way out of character for this dog. He took every step I took and he couldn’t get comfortable. It was only a few hours later, Wilbur took his last breath as I held him. He left this world and crossed the rainbow bridge around noon on July 27, 2022.

The Grief

I would ask myself over and over if I made the right decisions by Wilbur. Did I do enough to prolong his life? Did I do too much? Was he happy? Did I make him suffer? The questions were on shuffle in my head.

Just the same as with losing a human loved one, there’s nothing that can prepare a human for the loss of a beloved pet. We’re not taught these things in school as part of Health class or Home Economics. These are just things that we have to go through … and sometimes we go through them alone. And I say alone, because I didn’t think my family and friends actually understood what it’s like to love an animal as much as I loved Wilbur. They didn’t understand the bond that he and I shared.

When Wilbur passed, a dear friend of mine told me about a book that explained how we, as humans have a canine soul mate. I immediately ordered the book and got to reading it. This book most definitely helped me make my way through the grief.

Click here to pick up a copy of Heart Dog by Roxanne Hawn.

In the next few days that followed Wilbur’s death many of my loved ones sent their condolences in the form of cards, flowers, gifts, calls, messages, etc.

My grandmother even hand-painted a gorgeous, life-like painting of my dear Wilbur.

I realized then that maybe some of the most important people in my life really did understand my bond with Wilbur and how much I loved him. I also realized that Wilbur touched many more lives than just mine. He was a part of a bigger plan when he was here on earth. Wilbur taught me about love, loyalty, friendship and most of all joy. Every day of my life with Wilbur was filled with joy … because he was a part of it.

“Wilbur the Scottie” was truly one of a kind and I will never forget the love and friendship that he gave me. And in his death he still showed me what it is to be loved and what friendship truly is. Chase those rabbits my friend! I will forever love and miss you.

“The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be.” ~ Konrad Lorenz, zoologist and ethologist