When My Dog Was Dying: Luna Beans’ End-of-Life Journey and the Power of Comfort Care

When My Dog Was Dying: Luna Beans’ End-of-Life Journey
and the Power of Comfort Care
By Claudia R., Pet Parent and Animal Lover 💗

Luna Beans wasn’t just a dog—she was our baby girl. With her luxurious Shih Tzu coat and warm, expressive eyes, she brought light into every corner of our lives. My husband and I weren't just her caretakers—we were her devoted pet parents, and she was our heart.

But nothing prepares you for the day when you realize: my dog is dying.

The First Signs: A Terminal Diagnosis

As Luna entered her 15th year, she began slowing down. A mobile vet suspected kennel cough or congestive heart failure (CHF). Though I was hopeful it was something simple, my instincts told me differently.

When her symptoms worsened despite antibiotics—persistent coughing, restless nights, and changes in behavior—I sought a second opinion. That led us to a veterinary cardiologist, who confirmed what I feared: Luna was facing a terminal diagnosis. Tests and aggressive treatment were recommended, but they felt out of alignment with our values. What we needed wasn’t just clinical intervention—we needed comfort care and a compassionate plan to help us focus on Luna’s quality of life.

Choosing Comfort Over Cure

We made the intentional decision to prioritize Luna’s palliative care—not aggressive medical treatments. We wanted her final chapter to be peaceful and loving, not filled with invasive procedures or fear.

But advocating for this type of animal hospice care was harder than I expected. We were dismissed, judged, and left to navigate this overwhelming experience on our own. Despite my professional background in pediatric palliative care, the emotional weight of caring for a dying dog while being left to interpret complex medical decisions without support was crushing.

The Weight of Pet Caregiving

Administering medications, tracking symptoms, adjusting to Luna’s needs—it became a full-time job. I almost lost my own job advocating to work from home. My husband and I grew isolated and emotionally frayed. We were drowning in pet caregiver fatigue, and despite our best efforts, we felt like we were failing.

We loved Luna deeply, but we were running on empty.

Luna’s Final Goodbye

When I had to leave for a long-scheduled trip, I begged Luna to hold on until I returned. But just hours after my departure, her heart gave out. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by my husband and mother—but I wasn’t there. They spared me the news until I returned, but the grief—and guilt—hit like a tidal wave.

I hadn’t been there, and I didn’t get to say goodbye. Unfortunately, guilt and regrets have threatened to consume me. As they say, “time will heal,” so with the passing of time and my efforts to forgive myself, I am working through it.

Healing and Hope for the Future Through Animal Hospice Coaching

In my search for meaning and healing, I met Michelle Nichols and found Partners to the Bridge Animal Hospice Coaching. Through this program, I discovered what had been missing from our journey all along: guidance, empathy, and a structured path for navigating end-of-life decisions with grace.

Throughout my experience with Luna, I didn’t know about how to approach her illness and death through the lens of animal hospice philosophy. Gaining a greater understanding from Michelle helped me recognize that comfort care for dogs is more than just medications—it’s about presence, compassion, and preserving dignity. Now that I know about this coaching program, I know I will have the tools to process grief, reframe regret, and prepare for the future as our younger dog ages.

Luna’s Legacy: A Mission of Compassion

Luna’s story is not just one of loss for us, but one of love and a call to action for me. Her journey taught me the power of advocating for our companion animals and the profound emotional toll caregiving can take. It also revealed the importance of support systems to ease the burden of pet caregiver fatigue and ensure no family feels as alone as we did.

Luna Beans, our sweet Shih Tzu dog, may no longer be here physically, but her legacy lives on. I carry her memory in my heart and hope her story helps other pet families recognize that animal hospice is not about giving up—it’s about giving more: more dignity, more comfort, and more compassion.

If you're navigating a terminal diagnosis or whispering my dog is dying through tears, I want you to know: Your love matters. Your care matters. Your grief is valid. And know that you don’t have to be alone. 💝

If you’re navigating the palliative care and end-of-life care journey for your pet, meet Michelle and explore compassionate support and coaching in a 👉 FREE Quick Connect Call.

Thank you so much, Claudia, for sharing your story with our community!

( Blog post banner photo: Sweet Luna Beans, a Shih Tzu dog. Her animal caregiver, Claudia, shares their pet family story in this article. )