05/06/2025
I BROKE DOWN SAYING GOODBYE TO MY K-9 PARTNER
I never cried. Not when I took a bullet in the line of duty. Not when my marriage fell apart because the job always came first. Not even when my old man passed. But tonight, sitting on my couch with Rex’s head in my lap, I couldn’t stop the tears.
His breathing was slow, uneven. The vet said it was time—his body was giving out, and keeping him here would be selfish. But how the hell was I supposed to let go of the best damn partner I ever had?
Rex wasn’t just a dog. He saved my life more times than I could count. Took down suspects twice his size, sniffed out drugs, found missing kids—hell, he was braver than half the officers I’d worked with. And now he was here, curled up against me, his once-powerful frame thin and weak, his eyes tired but trusting.
“You did good, buddy,” I whispered, stroking his fur. “Better than good.”
His tail thumped once—slow, but there. A weak attempt to comfort me when I was supposed to be the strong one.
I wiped my face with the back of my hand, but it didn’t stop the shaking in my chest. The house felt too quiet, too still, like it already knew he wouldn’t be coming back from the vet tomorrow.
I leaned down, pressing my forehead against his. “I love you, pal,” I choked out. “I’ll see you on the other side.”
He then⬇️