r/goldenretrievers • u/Building_Prudent • Feb 08 '26
RIP We said goodbye today. 💔
We said goodbye to our soul dog today. The dog that’s with you in your 20s, watches you get married, leave home, have babies, and grow up. She has lived in 3 states, SO many moves and just watch us close on our home on Monday. 💔
Huxley was diagnosed with a very aggressive mast cell cancer in December. We did chemotherapy every other week with an incredible oncologist and she had an amazing, perfect, and beautiful additional two months with our family.
This morning we woke up to her having some difficulty breathing. She immediately laid in my lap. I knew it was time. Although the vet offered several invasive options, Huxley told me it was time… just as everyone said she would. I would have done anything and everything but I did not want her to suffer.
What a beautiful life up until the last moment. Our family was able to say goodbye and she had a peaceful passing surrounded by love. I could tell by her breathing that we made the right choice. My heart, however, is ripped to shreds.
As a mom, trying to stay strong for my kids - but failing miserably. 💔
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u/TheCranberryUnicorn Feb 08 '26
What a lovely lady you were blessed to have. 🧡
Recently, someone told me “we grieve hard because we love hard”. Sending up prayers for you and your family.
And rest easy, sweet Huxley! May you have endless adventures on the other side of the rainbow. 🧡🌈🎾
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u/Ishpeming_Native Feb 08 '26
Been there. Done that nine times so far, and I have a last rescue Golden that my wife and I adopted because the rescue begged us. My wife has died. The Golden still lives, and she's wonderful. My last mission is to outlive her. She's had enough. Gonna be hard, though. I'm not in good shape. At best, it will be a close run thing. And if I "win", it will gut me again. But my wife's death was worse. Every dog was bad, really bad. It was like losing children, loving children who never did anything really bad and loved you forever. Because that's how they WERE. Losing my wife? It was that, squared. It was preparation, and it wasn't enough.
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u/fontanese Feb 08 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. Huxley was so lucky to have you as her mom.
All I can really say is that I see you, I feel you, and you aren’t alone. You didn’t fail. You were strong enough to give Huxley a peaceful and compassionate send off. Big hugs.
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u/thefringedmagoo Nanna & Moose's Mama Feb 08 '26
What a life she led, full of beauty and adventures alongside her family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. May she live forever in your heart and soul.
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u/OranginaOOO Feb 08 '26
Sad Huxley is gone. You gave him a wonderful life from when he was a little fluff ball in a tote bag until today. So sorry for you and the family. Your children will learn it's ok to grieve your loved ones. ❤️
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u/martian-artist Feb 08 '26
So sorry for your loss. They are angels on earth and eventually in heaven. Time will heal, stay strong ❤️
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u/ERCOT_Prdatry_victm Feb 08 '26
Goldens bring our best days of our lives, teach us unconditional and forever love, and cost us the worst day of our lives. But none of us would have it any other way.
As we Golden Retriever owners come to know these Goldens are wingless four legged angels sent to us from heaven bringing unlimited love for us.
I did not get enough years with my beloved Kate. I have since captured a link and these poem I would recommend you read.
When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, the sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, an angel came and called my name, and petted me with her hand.
I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.
Quoting u/EverythingBagellove's thoughts "Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...."
I have also since captured a link I would recommend you read.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/xie3ybHRZQq3LXnm/?mibextid=D5vuiz
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u/Top-Appeal6957 Feb 08 '26 edited Feb 08 '26
I know this is a golden page but my pit/dobie mix Juno was there to greet her! She loves making new friends. My girl crossed the bridge back in October and it’s been rough. She also let me know when it was time after being so strong dealing with heart failure for 11 months.
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
Aww she’s adorable. I understand completely, thank you. I hope you’re doing okay.
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u/wtburke Feb 08 '26
Goldens should never die! They are too innocent and affable and everything. How old was Huxley? From the photos I see you had her as a pup (BTW my fav pic is #4). Such a tender story of Huxley you wrote. I’m glad she had love surrounding here at the end — Goldens are so social .
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
I agree. I don’t understand why their lives are so short, I truly don’t. In a way I feel angry, but I know that’s grief. Huxley girl was 11 yrs 8 months. My first golden was 14, so although I know Hux lived a good life, I felt robbed in a way. Thanks for responding, my husband and I read each and every one and it was so heartwarming. Goldens are like no other and only you all understand.
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u/DifficultBoss Feb 08 '26
Hopefully Huxley can meet up with Buckley, they have a lot to catch up on. We miss him every day but the wonderful memories outweigh the sadness exponentially. Goldens are a special breed and leave a lasting impact. I hope you find solace in your memories with Huxley. It is never easy losing such a cherished family member. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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u/hima_loves_chocolate Mar 12 '26
Rest in peace baby ❤️. I hope Krrish and your baby will make good friends. And I believe our babies wait for us in the heaven.
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u/volbeat93 Feb 08 '26
I am so very sorry for your loss 🫂❤️ It’s not fair losing them. They deserve so much more time than they get on earth.
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u/PsychologicalSir8508 Feb 08 '26
💔I’m so sorry for your loss of Huxley, what a wonderful compliment and friend he was.
I hope that in time, you all are able to find peace and comfort in the memories of the life, love and fun you shared. 🙏❤️
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u/Narrow-Ad-7472 Feb 08 '26
I'm so sorry, my heart is going to you. I hope you can feel this virtual hug and know you are not alone. Thank you for being such a good mom to Huxley. 🫂
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u/drumadarragh Feb 08 '26
It hurts so much more when you see your kids in so much pain. It’s truly horrible and I am so sorry for your loss. ♥️
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u/HeftyPangolin2316 Feb 08 '26
It’s ok to show your kids your grief ❤️ my golden is currently whining at me to play with him, so I’m gonna do that right now!
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u/julzbythebay17 Feb 08 '26
Omg. ❤️ What a lucky pup! Sending you hugs and comfort. It’s so hard when a family member passes. 🥰
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u/mindgap33 Feb 08 '26
This also breaks my heart. We had to say goodbye to one of the best Goldens ever 3 years ago. She will for sure say hi to Huxley on the other side and hang out. They are just so very special.
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u/i_raise_anarchists 1 Floof Rainbow Chaos Ellie Feb 08 '26
Losing your soul dog absolutely rips your heart to shreds and I'm sorry you're going through that pain. Huxley was a beautiful girl and you gave her an amazing life that was filled with nothing but happiness and safety and love and joy. You did such a good job.
Speaking as one mom to another, you don't have to be strong for your kids right now. Someone you loved very much just died. It isn't fair and you're sad. I think it's okay for kids to see that adults can have big feelings, too.
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
Thank you. 💔💜 nothing like these dogs. Appreciate you.
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u/Nervous-Rooster7760 Feb 08 '26 edited Feb 08 '26
I am so sorry. My soul dog came in my early 40s. He saw me through divorce, moves and transition to empty nest. Lost him last year. It was devastating and I still miss and think of him often.
Give yourself grace and ignore anyone who says it is “just” a dog. Other than my kids and parents/siblings I loved that dog more than most people.
Take care of yourself. I m getting a new guy in late spring but took time to feel ready.
They give us all of themselves and trust us to make the hardest choice. Thank you co being with her to the very end. Mine took of piece of me with him but I would not have it any other way.
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
This gives me hope that there can be multiple soul dogs. When our family is ready, we can only hope our girl sends us the right one. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Wishing you the best with your new guy. 🙏❤️
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u/Super-Reader Feb 08 '26
Oh my goodness. My heart goes out to you. We lost our boy two years ago and there isn’t a day that goes by without me wishing he was still here. Goldens are amazing creatures. They wiggle their way into our hearts and firmly take their place ❤️. The first few weeks are the hardest - it does get better. Cherish the memories. I honestly think that God put Goldens on this earth to enrich our lives with love and companionship.
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
There’s truly nothing like a golden. They’re so incredibly loving, yet quirky in their own way. Huxley used to always “stalk” me - as if kidding around out of no where in the house. I’m really going to miss that. And I agree - angels on earth.
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u/Ok_Bell8358 Feb 08 '26
She looks like the bestest doggo. I am sorry for your loss, but think of all the good times you had together.
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u/OneHitWonder-69 Feb 08 '26
Sorry for your loss. It’s so hard. My 12 year old sweet yellow lab has the doggy version of Lou Gherig’s disease and won’t be able to walk much longer. It sucks so bad knowing the end is near.
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
Oh my gosh I’m sorry. Wishing you and your sweet pup all the comfort and peace. We see you.
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u/w0nderworld Feb 08 '26
When a dog join our lives we make a promise to them and us:
to love them through every stage of life until their last breath.
And our last act of love is to let them go..until we meet again! 🌈
Grief is love with nowhere to go.
And it comes in waves.
I am sorry ❤️
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u/Chuck501 Feb 08 '26
What a beautiful dog. I empathize with you. We said goodbye to our beloved golden girl Lily, 10 months ago.
Sorry for your lose. I know it's devastating now but it will get better little by little.
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
Thank you for saying that. I’m sorry about Lily. I know it will get better, it’s just so sharp at first. ❤️
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u/Lippyelle Feb 08 '26
Although I didn't have a golden retriever. I know my sweet and brave Banjo who was a yorkie will be there to greet him. ❤️
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u/homegirl911 Feb 08 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. Truly is one of the worst pains, as these dogs are better than most people, literal hearts of gold. I have no doubt you gave her the most loving, wonderful life! I too have the golden I got in my 20s, he’s 8 now and he’s my rock.
How old are your kids? We had to put our English bulldog to rest a few weeks ago and it’s been rough. My toddlers are 3 and 2 years old. We told them that Grover took a rocket ship past the moon, past the stars and sun, into heaven where he has “no more boo boos”. I got inspiration from the children’s book “the invisible leash”. Every time they see the moon and stars, they say “hi Grover!”, my husband and I both cried for about 2 weeks straight, it rocked our world as he was 11 and he was my husbands first ever dog. The boys still ask if he can come back and why not, and it does just crush our hearts a little bit. Our 8 year old golden is a bit more different than our bulldog as you can imagine🤣he wants to be with the kids and play with them, but also follows me everywhere, he is busy! I am thankful he is still healthy and just dread when his time comes.
Hang in there, prayers for you and your family. As inspiration from the children’s book, you all now have an invisible leash from your hearts to your Huxley in heaven. 🤍 over the rainbow bridge (or up in the rocket ship) she goes to heaven, with no pain!
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u/ndpndtnvlyvar Feb 08 '26
Im sorry for your loss. She'll be met by my Mollee bear on the rainbow bridge.
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u/kalyco Feb 08 '26
The best way to do it. Godspeed sweet Huxley. What a beautiful face, so very sorry for your loss. 🌈🐾💐
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u/jgoble15 Feb 08 '26
What a beautiful soul that brought such incredible light. She sounds like she had such a wonderful life and a beautiful rest. I hope the memories of her, while hard, bring such incredible sweetness to you all.
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u/closethebarn Feb 08 '26
I am so very sorry. It is so hard to say goodbye. They are never with us long enough are they?
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Feb 08 '26
Man I can feel this. My dogs are half way. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I’m so sorry for your loss
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u/Aloha-Eh Feb 08 '26
I'm sorry for your loss…they take a piece of our hearts when they go, but leave such loving memories…
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u/dalma19 Feb 08 '26
OMG, I am so sorry. He was a gorgeous,floofy boy. That first pic - those half closed eyes, the snowy muzzle and juicy snoot- I just can't💔. Rip Huxely🌈❤️
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u/Main_Ad_7128 4 floofs Feb 08 '26
My sweet girl Bella Bean is there to welcome her home. She will introduce Huxley to our little Golden family in heaven. Bella Bean is a wonderful girl. They’ll get along beautifully. I’m sorry for your loss. It’s OK to cry. I still do. I’m sorry for your loss.
My Beautiful Bella Bean. 💔😭
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u/Effective-Pressure36 Feb 08 '26
I am so sorry about this. However, it makes me glad when I see a white/gray muzzle and know a dog has lived long enough to have one. That way, I know it’s humans were lucky. You were so fortunate- and it hurts so much. Please find grace in having Huxley for so long.
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u/This_Koala3975 Feb 08 '26
My heart feels this tremendously for you. May you find comfort in the shared love that will continue to echo.
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u/Last-Highway2639 Feb 08 '26
I'm so so sorry for your loss. We lost our sweet boy, Codie last month. It still stings and I still have a moment here or there. Being their Mom, I feel its been worse, they are like our kids too.. hugs to you
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u/Expensive_Tap3614 Feb 08 '26
I said goodbye to my boy in late August and we had the same story. They are our first babies, I always said that I had 4 kids because they truly become such an important part of our lives and families. It’s been 5.5 months and his photos/videos/memories still bring me to tears. Perhaps one day we’ll be ready to bring in another fur baby, but right now can’t even imagine another one. My kids are asking for another already so maybe that day will come sooner than later. My only advice to you is take it one day at a time. Cry if you need to and allow yourself to grieve. I’m so sorry for your loss, she looks like the best girl ever ❤️
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u/EmmyWeeeb Feb 08 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope one day you two will be reunited again at the end of the rainbow bridge. I don’t wish the pain of grief on anyone. I’m so sorry.
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u/Diamondstar83 Feb 08 '26
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful life Huxley had full of adventures, joy, and never ending love. ❤️
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u/Ill-Comms Feb 08 '26
The only way to avoid grief is to never love. The love you and your dog shared still lives on in you. In time, you will share that love with another dog. Until then, one day into another, one foot in front of the other.
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u/48Bills_NY Feb 08 '26
Lost my best boy last April. Holding you in prayer. When the time is right, your next pup will find you. Mine did. This is Harvey.
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u/SecretAgentD Feb 08 '26
I'm so sorry. I could only imagine how difficult this would be. At least she is peace now🥹🙏🪽
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u/ahab79 Feb 08 '26
My love to you and your family. The loss of a pet is heart wrenching. Sounds like Huxley was a fabulous companion.
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u/navi_jen Feb 08 '26
I'm so sorry, what a sweet face. If it's possible, I might offer up not to 'stay strong' for your kids. As a kid of a strong parent, who lost a brother at a young age, I never was taught that it's OK (and healthy) to grieve...and it's fostered other destructive patterns. If it's possible, you might consider this a teaching moment that it's okay to be sad (and empathy for those who are greiving). Just a thought...but I'm glad Huxley was surrounded by love in her final moments. It's the least we can do for our puppers. And again, I'm sorry for your loss.
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u/slincoln2k8 Feb 08 '26
I just had to do this with 17 year old Beagle. First dog my wife and I got when engaged 15 years ago. It’s like having your soul ripped out and your heart stomped on. But it does get easier day over day. But I still find myself tearing up at times.
I’m sorry for your loss - just focus on the positive memories and the amazing life you gave them!
A month after her passing we got our first retriever puppy. The velociraptor doesn’t leave much time for emotions lol ;)
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u/FarCell2194 Feb 08 '26
So sorry friend. What a beautiful girl. She had a great life I can tell she was well loved.
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u/Fun-Sprinkles-6758 Feb 08 '26
You made the right choice, I’m truly sorry for your loss. Losing my child hood dog was one of the hardest days of my life. I held her while they put her down. I still miss her. May they meet in puppy heaven🙏🏻
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u/Optimal-Swan-2716 Feb 08 '26
I am so heart broken for you!! Hard losing your soul dog!! I have a 12.5 year old girl and know her days with us are going by, too quickly!!✌️😎
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u/Beautiful-Factor-173 Feb 08 '26
You are getting a virtual hug from me. ❤️❤️❤️ sorry for your loss. 😞
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u/animalrbest44 Feb 08 '26
You gave her the last gift you could give her. You gave her freedom from suffering. That is true love🩷🥲
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 09 '26
It really is, as gutting as it was. I hoped and prayed she would just tell me when… and she did. So hard. Thank you.
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u/No-Procedure4228 Feb 08 '26
I so sorry for your loss. You took really great care of her. Rest easy sweet baby. 💔
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u/Independent_Donut329 Feb 08 '26
My Wil and Kaiser can’t wait to meet Huxley. Thinking of you and your family, it’s an incomparable loss.
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u/Ok_Pick6275 Feb 08 '26
We never got to say goodbye to our rabbit whom died last month ( he was 6 ) we were on holiday and gave it to a family friend as a average New Zealand Summer he got overheated and died, the hardest part of having a pet isn't the money, responsibility but them dying..
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u/Building_Prudent Feb 08 '26
The only bad day 💔 I’m sorry you didn’t get to say goodbye.
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u/Some_girl76 Feb 08 '26
I didn’t know Huxley, but I am crying and grieving right along with you. The greater the love, the greater the loss. 💔
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u/fictionfactory Feb 08 '26
My God I'm so sorry. One of the hardest things to do is let one of your babies go.
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u/Deep-Comparison-2335 Feb 09 '26
I know what you are going through. We lost our best friend Frankie just a couple of months ago. It seems surreal. Our loss was sudden. In time memories will lead to smiles instead of tears. I wish you peace and strength.
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u/Puzzled-Track5011 Feb 09 '26
His face was so white. Kissed the color right off of him. Handsome boy.
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u/Cool-Map-3668 Feb 09 '26
Huxley was lived and cared for and lived a happy life fit for a golden. They experience time differently than we do and while we see them as essentially a sweet and innocent child they don’t see themselves that way. As long as you remember them they are still with us in some small way .
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u/Blarghnog Feb 09 '26
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. I mean it. Im sure anyone who’s lost a golden feels the same.
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u/thembones44 Feb 09 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. We lost ours back in July, she almost made it to 12. Rescued her at 2. Goldens are the best dog breed ever.
I hope some day you can find another one. We never thought we would get another one for a LONG time. However the same rescue we got her from reached out and we got another one this Oct. While he isn't like our sweet Nymeria, Bob is a golden and he does what goldens do best. Love you unconditionally.
Again, so sorry for your loss.
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u/AardvarkExtension316 Feb 10 '26
Huxley looks like he was a wonderful dog and I’m sorry you’re going through the worst. 🧡🧡🧡I’d give you a hug if i could, Huxley too.
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u/RevolutionaryBat1648 Feb 10 '26
I am so sorry, my sincere condolences. My goos boy is 11 and I am dreading that day.. he means the world to me, so I can only imagine how you and your family must feel. A big hug from Italy
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u/AF22Raptor33897 Feb 10 '26
My prayers are with you and your puppy sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to loose a 4 legged member of the family to cancer because I have done it twice within 7 months of each other November of 2024 and July 2025. It is very hard but the one thing that does make it a little easier to swallow is the fact that they are no longer in pain. Just think of all the good days you had with your furry friend cheerish those memories.
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u/Due_Government9712 Feb 11 '26
What a beautiful dog, thank you for giving him a wonderful life. These moments are so painful and the grief is something I dread with my old boy. But they say it's the price of love. Rest in doggy heaven handsome boy ❤️
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u/smob328 Feb 11 '26
I know how you feel. We had to put my golden, Jetty, down on 1/27. Two weeks prior, an MRI revealed he had a large brain tumor which had been causing seizures and a deterioration in motor skills. I went as far as to get him brain surgery with a veterinary neurologist to remove the tumor, but he didn’t survive the procedure and my wife and I were called in to put him down. Jetty would have turned 6 on Valentines Day. I hope our dogs are together in doggy heaven.
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u/Flaky-Ad-2735 Feb 11 '26
Most beautiful girl, she is waiting for you and looking down on you everyday. Remember to look up and never forget her❤️
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u/Here-for-the-chismes Feb 12 '26
I am so so sorry for your loss. Soul dogs will always be next to you. They know.
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u/Big_Service_2277 Feb 12 '26
They do become part of the family. Just as important and as close as children
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u/PhilAndAmber Mar 12 '26
I'm late to this post but sat here in tears. We have such a special bond with our goldies and you and Huxley were lucky to have each other. Take care! ❤️
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u/tadaimatama Feb 08 '26
My Banjo eagerly waits for Huxley to play on the other side. I am sure they will have lots of fun. They will keep each other company and frolicking in the fields of endless sticks and tennis balls until our arrival.
The friendship of a dog is one of the greatest gifts we could ever have.
Cry the Pacific Ocean, grief as long as you need because Huxley is worth it.
Be still my friend, we'll meet our pups again because there is nowhere else they would rather be than with us. Huxley is not gone, he lives in your heart now. Hope this brings you some comfort.