Most pet owners will face a time when their pet’s quality of life deteriorates to the point that nothing more can be done. This particular scenario–and how it was documented–made a Washington woman and her 11-year-old ailing canine companion, viral stars. Kyle Amick humanely reasoned her faithful companion Hannah, an American pit bull terrier/golden retriever mix, deserved to die with dignity.

Hannah, post-dog spa pampering.

Hannah’s euthanasia had been an inevitability for some time. The canine suffered severe hip problems and medicating her started inflicting more harm than providing comfort.

Pills ravaged her liver and induced seizures. Understanding no more could be done, Amick took Hannah out for a final day of pampering before the fateful procedure.

The photo gallery begins with a shot of Hannah sitting in the front passenger seat, her eyes half-shut in the morning sun.

Some of the captions read:

“I don’t know if she knows or not. But I know she’s tired. The stairs are hard. The hills are mountains. The pills don’t work. She trusts me to make a choice. No matter how hard it might be.”

“But if I have to make that choice,” Amick continues. “Then let’s make the last day the best one yet.”

Hannah enjoys her last meal, a McDonald’s cheeseburger.

Hannah dons a pink scarf on her final day.

Kyle Amick makes a promise to her dying companion Hannah.

Hannah’s expressive face and soulful eyes gaze at her master.

Hannah, despite the pain in her degenerating hips, manages to romp at the dog park.

The day at the dog spa included a pedicure.

Kyle Amick clutches Hannah–an American pit bull terrier/golden retriever mix and her companion for 11 years–before the ailing canine is put down.

A crucifix with a passage from the New Testament was place on Hannah’s casket. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The photo essay culminates with a shot of Amick spooning Hannah on the floor of the veterinary clinic, followed by photos of a wooden crucifix inscribed with a passage from the New Testament (Matthew 11:28).

Buzzfeed interviewed Amick, who said she never expected so much attention for the experience.

“It’s been hard to log on and see her all over, but I’m glad she’s touching so many hearts. She held mine for so many years and still does.”

Knowing you will likely outlive that furry companion is a sobering reality of pet ownership. Coping comes in many forms.

Consider how many elite comedians have incorporated this specific type of loss in their material. Though the material is on admittedly dark subject matter, it’s a window into coping and catharsis. And how the crowd reacts indicates the weight of the shared experience.

Comedians like George Carlin, Bill Burr and Louis C.K. have injected humor into the dark inevitability.

“Look what I brought home, it’s us crying in 10 years. Countdown to sorrow with a puppy.”

–Louis C.K., on adopting a puppy

 

“At first, I shut down….Then, I don’t know what happened…I started to like it a little bit…In three days I went….to ‘Oh, my God. This thing is going to die someday. How am I emotionally going to be able to handle that?'”

–Bill Burr, on quickly becoming attached to a rescue his wife brought home.

 

“Life is a series of dogs.”

–George Carlin, on life and pet ownership.

Have you lost a pet before? How did you cope and carry on? Let us know in the comments.