R.I.P Arabella, our little nurse!

Rest in peace and run free, Arabella, our little nurse!!!!!

I’m crying my eyes out and probably not making much sense. This is one of those days that breaks you from inside, as a rescue. One of the days when you get a little closer to “I can’t do this no more”.

This afternoon, Arabella had her vet visit to be fitted with a lovely shoe designed to protect her leg with the missing paw. Although it was supposed to be a routine check, things took an unexpected turn, and we found ourselves 40 minutes late—a first for us. During the consultation, it became painfully clear that something was terribly wrong. We learned that she was developing arthritis in her other front leg, which was affecting her gait and causing struggles with her back legs. It hit us hard to realize that her other front leg could no longer support her weight properly, impacting her hips as well. As a puppy, she had managed well, but as she grew, the future looked bleak – filled with suffering rather than joy, the reality of no longer being able to run, play, or truly be a dog.

It was heartbreaking to consider that we could have removed just one leg, either the one without the paw or the one progressing towards arthritis, but not both front legs, especially knowing that her hips would eventually fail too. She was just a puppy, only 6 months old, and still had so much growing to do!

It truly shattered my heart—she was such a joyful, sensitive, and compassionate pup, full of love, always there to comfort the others. I desperately wanted to shield her from pain—I would have done anything, and indeed I did—fought relentlessly for her! Yet, sadly, this time we faced a heartbreaking reality; no matter the complexity or cost, there was nothing we could do to ensure her quality of life or provide her with the chance to thrive free from pain. Her body was betraying her, and it was happening fast.

She didn’t have a chance. Didn’t have any fighting chance.

Nothing makes it easier. We came back with one less beautiful pup tonight – and it feels cold and lonely. We know we save so many. But it doesn’t matter in these moments.

She just slipped away, while she was told how much she was loved, and what a special girl she was, and how much love and comfort she brought into this life in her short, too short life!

I will go back to bawling my eyes out… and a sleepless night! Thank you for reading this, and thank you for thinking of our little Arabella and hugging your pups a bit tighter and a bit longer tonight!