Hi there, my friends.

I’m here with a very heavy heart to share an update about my sweet Lilie. As of this evening, Lilie crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It has only been six months since we said goodbye to Ariyana, and once again I find myself sitting here with tears streaming down my face, doing something I never feel ready to do—no matter how many times we tell ourselves we understand the cycle.

We bring our animal companions into our homes knowing, somewhere in the back of our minds, that one day we will have to say goodbye. They love us with their whole hearts, and we love them just as fiercely in return. Even with that knowledge, it is never something we are truly prepared for.

This morning, when we took Lilie in, we knew this was a real possibility. Our worst fears were confirmed. The sudden and severe mobility issues she experienced were neurological in nature, and there was nothing that could be done to restore function or comfort. Pain management would not have improved her quality of life, and her remaining three legs could not compensate for the one that had failed. She could no longer even relieve herself on her own, and at that point, we knew the kindest thing we could offer her was peace. So we told her we would see her again, sweet girl.

Lilie was a magnificent English Cream Retriever—my polar bear—with the biggest smile and an endless joy for life. She galloped like a puppy well into her senior years and never stopped moving through the world with that playful, present-moment energy. She loved food, loved her people, and loved simply being near us. She lived fully and openly, exactly as she was.

We brought Vane with us so he could understand that she wouldn’t be coming home, so the pack could begin to adjust together. Lilie’s final moments were filled with love, smiles, and forbidden treats, which she enjoyed with enthusiasm and delight—exactly as she deserved.

Now we move through the quiet, practical steps that follow: canceling medications, insurance, and learning how to exist in a home that feels suddenly different. We’re holding each other close as we navigate yet another chapter we weren’t ready for, but must walk through anyway.

Thank you for being here, for holding space, and for loving us through this. Your support means more than I can ever put into words.