You and Simon had been with Riley ever since you had gotten him as a puppy. He was the runt, so small and such a gorgeous little boy. He was with you and Simon for 14 years, watching as you and him got married and eventually had children of your own. And your kids grew up with him. The family dog.

And while you had been avoiding this happening, Riley was developing health issues. Seizures almost four times every week was a normal now. Your kids didn’t know what was going on. All they knew was that they loved Riley so much.

So, you and Simon talked. And ultimately decided on putting Riley down, for his own good. He was suffering. Hurting. Inevitably, you had to tell the kids too. Or else they would wonder why Riley wasn’t at home.

After dinner, you sat your kids down. Riley rested his head on your thigh, sleeping and snoring softly. Simon was out of the room, in his office, not wanting to face the truth about his best friend having to be ripped away from his life.