07/23/2026
My sweet, sweet Luke. I’m so glad I had the wherewithal to do your goodbye photos. I was prepared. I knew back in May that our time would be short. We thought it would be days and you gave me months. I was prepared ~ but I wasn’t ready. No amount of time would make me ready.
I miss your soft, velvety warmth at my feet under the covers where you slept for 13 years. I miss your wiggley little tail that never stopped. I miss your bright unwavering zest for life that carried me through my darkest hours.
Your absence is so loud, yet the muscle memory repeatedly forgets you’re not here anymore. You are everywhere…and nowhere.
There is only one dog at the door now, one set of footprints tapping on the floor, one dog to feed, one dog to load into the car. Everything feels like something huge is missing.
What do I do with your empty bowls, your leash, your bed, and everything of yours that I forgot to move out of eyesight before you left.
My sweet, soft, bright, bundle of happiness, I hope you will forever be chasing bunnies, rolling in the grass, lying in mud puddles and eating endless snacks. You brought so much joy to everyone who knew you. Fly high little Lukie, we love you endlessly. 💞🕊️
Kay Nitschke Irwin without you I would never have experienced decades of love and laughs from these little dogs. For this, I am forever grateful 💞
Thank you so much to Juli and all of the team at Padfoot Veterinary Practice. You are not just good at your jobs, you are good humans. Your compassion made a heartbreaking day, a day no one forgets, slightly less so ♥️
