There are moments in life when words fall short. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of them. Our sweet Huxley has been part of our family for 14 years—a loyal companion with gentle eyes, a wagging tail, and a heart that loved unconditionally. He has walked beside us through seasons of joy and sorrow, always giving more love than he ever asked for in return.
Lately, Huxley has been struggling. Multiple health conditions have slowly taken away the simple pleasures he once enjoyed—long walks, playful barks, curling up without pain. As his quality of life has diminished, we have faced the heartbreaking decision that every pet owner dreads: knowing when it’s time to say goodbye.
We knew we wanted Huxley’s last days to be filled with comfort, togetherness, and love. For us, that meant gathering in the kitchen—because food has always been a way for us to celebrate, heal, and connect.
Cooking Together as Comfort
On Huxley’s last weekend, we came together as a family to cook. The kitchen was alive with the sounds of chopping, stirring, laughter, and even quiet tears. We chose a dish that felt like fall itself: Cinnamon Apple French Toast with Toasted Pecans and Maple Crème Fraîche. The recipe was inspired by a Hello Fresh meal that my daughter has ordered several times, which we all love.
It wasn’t just about the food. It was about creating one last memory, an act of love we could all share. Cooking gave us something to hold onto in the middle of letting go.
The first bite was sweet, warm, and comforting—everything we needed in that moment.
A Farewell Full of Love
As we ate, Huxley lay close by, his head resting gently by the feet of his Papa. He wasn’t able to enjoy the meal the way he used to sneak table scraps, but he was surrounded by the people he loved most, basking in the smells of cinnamon and apples filling the house.
Food is never just food. It’s memory, tradition, and love made tangible. Cooking this meal together gave us space to grieve, to honor Huxley’s life, and to hold onto each other when the goodbye felt impossible.
Huxley gave us 14 years of joy. In return, we gave him comfort, love, and a farewell wrapped in warmth and gratitude.
Closing
If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet, you know the weight of it. But you also know the gift of the memories they leave behind—their unconditional love living on in your heart. For us, every time we make Cinnamon Apple French Toast, we will think of Huxley, and smile through the tears.
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