u/DoubleOrNothing90

I had to say goodbye to my buddy Max a few days ago, and am still having a tough time dealing with it. We spent almost 14 years together, but he came into my life completely by surprise and unexpectedly.

We already had a 1.5 year old corgi named Willie, who we all loved very much. My father was friends with the breeder. One day out of nowhere my father comes and tells us the breeder had another litter and there was one corgi left. He was funny looking tri-colored fluffy, and didn't look like your typical corgi. Nobody wanted him. So he offered him to us. We weren't seeking another dog, but this guy needed a home, so we said yes. We brought him home and fell in love right away, even though he did look a little funny.

A year later I decided to move out decided to take Max with me, with my parents support so I wouldn't be alone. It was just me and him for a while and he was such a great companion. My future wife moved in with us shortly after that she they took to each other right away. Always cuddling together. We were a family of 3 for 6 years until our first child came along. Max was always so gentle around him and guarded him, while also sitting at his feet waiting for food to fall on the floor.

More years passed and I thought Max would never slow down. His favorite spot was at the front door sprawled out on the shoes. It finally hit me he wouldn't be around forever when I felt the lump on the side of his neck. The vet explained to me the surgery would be too invasive, and Max would be too old to recover from it. To enjoy what little time we had left together. I was devastated. We had another baby at this time and Max guarded her just the same. He reached his 14th birthday very recently, but the decline was happening. It was very hard to see. We made the hard choice to let him go before his decline got even worse. I felt horrible knowing the day and time he was going to pass. His brother Willie passed at the age of 10 unexpectedly in his sleep. I tried my best to be with him as much as possible. On his last day we sat together eating treats and cuddling until it was time. It happened quick, and me and my wife went home with his collar in hand. It hit me the hardest the next morning when I came down the stairs, and he wasn't at the front door on the shoes. His bowls are still out, I'm trying to get the courage to pack them up.

I often wonder what my life would have been like if we didn't get that call out of the blue that a lonely corgi puppy that nobody wanted was looking for a home. He grew up and became the most beautiful of all. My life would have had a lot less love and happiness for sure.

I miss you buddy.

Max the happy corgi