Just a few short months ago — on April 25, 2025 — I said goodbye to my husky hybrid, McCloud. He was 12 years, 4 months, and 17 days old.
The thing about grief is… it isn’t getting easier. I still have constant flashbacks to that day, to his last few moments, and I cry whenever I think about him. I want nothing more than to hold him again, to bury my face in his neck and stay like that forever.
It doesn’t feel fair. We’re given these animals who bring so much light, comfort, and friendship into our lives — and then in a single moment, they’re gone.
McCloud’s spirit
McCloud was my pride and joy. He had the craziest zoomies, he was deeply intuitive, and I’ll never forget our howls together when I knew he had something to say.
His absolute favorite treat? Steak. He wasn’t very food-motivated otherwise — chicken or the occasional “human food” was about it — but what he lacked in food drive, he made up for in love.
Once McCloud accepted you into his pack, you were part of his life forever. Only a few people ever had that privilege. Above all, he was my protector.
My shadow
McCloud made me feel safe — whether I was home alone or out on a walk at night. Even with those he trusted, when it came to me, he wasn’t playing around.
It used to drive me a little nuts how he followed me everywhere. Snack run to the fridge? He was there. Bathroom? There. Bedtime? Right at my side. He was my shadow.
At the dog park, he never joined the husky obsession with water buckets. He either did his own thing or stuck by me, always aware, always present.
He was so intuitive — he knew when I was sad, stressed, or just having an off day. He’d lay with me, rest his big head on my chest, and keep me company. Sometimes we watched TV together, sometimes he just stole bites of my dinner.
Lasting impressions
I could go on and on about McCloud, but I’ll stop here for today. Maybe I’ll share more later.
For now, I put together a small photo gallery of him throughout the years. 💛 If you’d like, leave me a comment with your furry companion’s name. They aren’t with us for nearly long enough, but the love they leave behind? That lasts forever.
♥
