I met Minnow as ‘Minnie’, a skinny shy gal from Guanajuato, Mexico in 2013. Rescued by Mex-Can Pet Partners as a tiny puppy outside a mine, she was the last of her litter to be chosen – I still remember being floored by her striking blue eyes, and asking how anyone could pass on a face like hers. Even then I knew I would never meet another like her.
The early years with Minnow were filled with gentle introductions to the world, everything was a first and she had big feelings about it all. I used to tell Minnow that if she had a song, it would be Britney Spears’ ‘I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman’ as she was all sorts of awkward. But we quickly fell into stride over the years, both growing through shared experiences and life changes. We had many adventures together, from camping, snowshoeing, and hiking mountains to lazy days in the garden, on the couch, or watching the world go by at cafes. Through all the ups and downs her unconditional love was there.
Seeing her age was heartbreaking but also a precious time. Her naps were longer, the walks were shorter, hearing almost gone, and she faced radiation treatments with admirable strength. Despite it all she never lost her gentle and kind nature. I like to think that she loved our life together as much as I did, and it gave us a shared purpose. Caring for Minnow in the final years after her diagnosis was a chance for me to pay her back for all the dedication she showed me, I made her bed softer, blankets warmer, and made sure to give her at least 1,000+ pets a day.
I said goodbye to Minnow on February 24, 2026 at home snuggled on her bed, with a warm jacket on, eating whipped cream. She slipped away into what I can only imagine was the most comfortable sleep she had ever felt, free from pain. The biggest final act of kindness I could give my best friend.
A light went out in my life that day, and the world feels less colourful now. I will be forever changed for having her by my side. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
Thank you Dr. Rachel and Heather for being so gentle and thoughtful during the home visit, it made for the best worst day I could hope for.