Getting a puppy is a big decision and some people jump at the opportunity to get one. The problem is that not everyone is ready for what happens after their puppy gets older. They require attention and love, and, as they get older, they can develop a whole host of medical issues.

One woman took it upon herself to remind people of this after her senior dog got sick and passed away.

A heartfelt post to dog owners

Brittany Tarkington, a dog owner with a senior dog, made a post on Facebook to fellow dog owners. In the post, she encouraged them to never give up on their senior dogs. Since a dog’s time on this Earth is so short, the most selfless thing a dog owner can do is to make them feel love and comfort at the end of their time.

“Before you get that cute, full of life, puppy, imagine yourself 10+ years from now.

If your vision doesn’t involve throwing on a swimsuit to get in bathtub with your senior citizen dog because she’s having a bad day and scared, don’t do it.

“If you can’t imagine cleaning up after them while they’re sick, don’t do it.

If you laugh at the thought of a person cooking meals JUST to make their fur child eat, don’t do it.

If you wouldn’t stay up all night, just to make sure they’re still breathing and have all they need, don’t do it.

“If you can’t fathom the decision I’ll have to make soon, don’t do it.

She wasn’t always this grumpy old lady with demands. 12 years ago, she was a puppy and I was in high school. She was hyper, healthy, and full of life. It wasn’t always like this.

If you can’t handle end of life, don’t do it.”

Tarkington was touched by all of the positive responses to her post and commented on the original with a picture of Winnie.

“Thanks for all the shares and kind words. I never expected this!

Our baby went peacefully on her own early this afternoon.

Love them while you can. Unfortunately, we don’t outlive them. 🖤”

Tarkington got Winnie when she was only six months old. At her side for over 12 years, the beginning of Winnie’s life was full of energy, but as she got older, that energy dimmed somewhat. And while it wasn’t always easy, she said she would do it a million times over just to be with Winnie once again.

A lot of the people who saw Tarkington’s post agreed with her. Her post ended up getting over 52,000 likes and was shared over 81,000 times. Some of them even sympathized with her and relayed stories of their own pets dying and how hard it was to let their beloved pets go.

For more on how to deal with the death of a pet, watch the video below.

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Source: AnimalWised

H/T: Facebook, Bored Panda