A Goodbye That Broke My Heart: Remembering Milly, My Best Girl

There’s a silence in our home now. A space on the couch. A leash that hasn’t moved. And a hole in my heart that feels impossible to fill.

Three weeks ago, we said goodbye to our beautiful Labrador, Milly. She was just shy of 14 years old, and for nearly 9 of those years, she was my best friend. My heart dog. Our family’s shining light.

Milly came into our lives thanks to my late brother Shane in 2015. She was only meant to stay a few weeks — we never planned to keep her. But 9 years later, we realised she was never just a visitor. She was home. And now, the pain of losing her is as deep as the love we had for her.

A Life of Love, Laughter, and Loyalty

Milly was a dog full of personality and heart. She had a rogue streak that made her unforgettable — like the time she knocked over Jen’s gin in the pub and ended up tipsy on the way home, legs in the air, loving every second.

She had this uncanny way of knowing what we needed. She was there when we lost Shane in 2022. Both Milly and Bruno felt that loss profoundly — but Milly’s focus was on comforting us. She helped us through the worst days just by being her beautiful self.

Her bond with Jen was something I’ll always cherish. Mornings meant belly rubs — and if Jen dared hold her coffee or look at her phone, Milly would remind her that one hand was free and clearly meant for rubbing her belly. There’s a photo we love from Castletroy Park where Milly looks like she’s laughing — like she just told her best joke — and Jen is laughing right alongside her. That image says everything about their bond.

With my dad Tony, Milly had a connection that was gentle, loyal, and deeply comforting. She went everywhere with him — to the shed, the garden, the shops. Whether he was painting, cutting the lawn, or just relaxing outside, she was always by his side. One day, when Dad had a fall on a walk, Milly stayed with him. She lay beside him, and when he tried to get up, she got under his arm to help him rise. That was Milly — strong, supportive, and selfless. She truly was his girl.

Milly and Her Pack

Her relationship with Bruno was like a modern-day doggy marriage. When she first arrived, they didn’t get along — but Milly quickly made it clear she was the boss. And for the rest of their lives, she remained the queen. Despite their differences, they were inseparable. Their bond was unshakeable, a love between two dogs like I’ve never seen before.

Then came Roxy. And while Milly may have been slightly jealous at first, she grew to love Roxy like a little sister. Even when Roxy tried to claim every toy or ball, she would always let Milly carry it on walks. In their final months together, they could often be found cuddled up side by side on the couch — a pair of soft souls in sync.

A Goodbye That Came Too Soon

Milly passed away due to complications from chronic kidney disease. It came on unexpectedly and was utterly heartbreaking. I carry immense guilt — I didn’t spot the signs in time. Her tiredness, the change in her appetite — I dismissed them as age-related. But they weren’t. And I wish with all my heart I had acted sooner.

To every dog owner reading this: don’t ignore the signs. Lethargy, appetite loss, a change in mobility — they can be small, but they might be something serious. Trust your instincts. Get your dog checked. I would give anything for a little more time.

We owe enormous thanks to John, Eoghan, Siobhán, and all the nurses and staff at Treaty Vets who did everything they could to help her. Their care was second to none.

The Love Dogs Leave Behind

Dogs don’t just fill our homes with love — they become part of our soul. Since losing Milly, the grief has been overwhelming. My own mental health has taken a huge hit. I’ve felt broken. Lost. It’s hard to put into words just how deeply she was woven into my everyday life, how much of my identity was wrapped up in being her person.

She gave love so freely, comforted us in our darkest times, and stood by us always. She helped us cope with the loss of Shane, she brightened every ordinary moment, and now that she’s gone, the silence is loud and the world feels heavier.

Jen and I have a wedding in the next few years, and while Milly won’t walk down the aisle with us like we always imagined, I know she’ll be watching from above — with that cheeky grin, tail wagging, and eyes full of love.

I know that she’s now reunited with Shane, the one who brought her to us. And someday, I believe she’ll be waiting at the rainbow bridge to greet the rest of us, too.

Until then, Milly — thank you. For everything. For every bark at a donkey, every belly rub, every moment of mischief and love.

You were the best girl. And we’ll love you forever.

If this story resonated with you, please share it with a fellow dog lover. And if you’re worried about your own dog’s health — even a little — book a vet check. It could mean everything.

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