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“Before You Get A Puppy, Imagine Yourself 10+ Years From Now”: Woman’s Brutally Honest Post About Getting A Dog Goes Viral
Interview With Owner
Getting a puppy can’t be a snap decision. It’s a serious step because you’re not just getting a temporary distraction—you’re getting a lifelong friend. And it’s your responsibility to take care of it when it gets old and ill, no matter how hard and heartbreaking it might be.
Best-selling author Brittany Tarkington from East Texas shared a heart-wrenchingly bittersweet Facebook post about her dog of 12 years, Winnie. She revealed how she had to take care of Winnie as she got older, until she sadly passed away. Brittany wanted people to imagine themselves years and years from now taking care of their senior dogs when they need our help and support the most. If we can’t make that promise, we shouldn’t be getting the pet in the first place.
Brittany told Bored Panda that the main thing for people who are currently taking care of their senior dogs is to never give up. “I know it’s hard, but they give us so much in their short lives, the most selfless thing we can do in our lives is making sure they feel loved and comfortable at the end.” Scroll down for our interview with Brittany and to read her story in her own words.
More info: Facebook | Instagram | BrittanyTarkington.com | Amazon
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Image credits: Brittany Tarkington
“Your face turned white, your energy dimmed, but you were wise in a way most wouldn’t understand”
Brittany shared how she was adamant about getting her own dog when she was in high school and how she met her friend Winnie. At first, Brittany’s heart was set on getting a Chihuahua. Until she found an ad in her local paper for a 6-month-old Jack Russell mix who didn’t get along with the new dog.
“I was adamant; we were going to see her. She ran straight to the car, and after a small talk, she was in my lap headed home with my mom and me. ‘Roxie or Winnie?’ I asked my mom. She replied, ‘She doesn’t look like a Roxie.’ Winnie it was. That was the first time Winnie gave us her look. I’ve seen it a million times, and it’s one I’ll wish I could see forever. Her eyes were the most expressive things on this planet. I could read every thought with that single look.”
Winnie was by Brittany’s side for 12 and a half years. A lot happened during that time: Brittany graduated from high school, rebelled, graduated college, had a baby, moved, got marries, and brought home other animals. But through everything, her life still revolved around Winnie.
“As long as you had the attention you demanded, you were always on board whether it be sleeping all day or adventures. And I thank you for that. I never knew how much I needed someone to sleep by my bed on nights I was alone, judge me when I was dancing around the kitchen listening to pop music. Or simply have someone listen to me while I vented.”
According to Brittany, the beginning of Winnie’s life was full of energy and fun, however, her senior years were here favorite. “Your face turned white, your energy dimmed, but you were wise in a way most wouldn’t understand. It wasn’t always easy, but I would do it a million times over just to be with you. I started to wonder during this time, why people abandoned senior animals during their most precious and vulnerable times. I won’t ever be able to answer that. I just hope they stop and think.”
Winnie was Brittany’s best friend in the world
Winnie’s owner told Bored Panda that she was very thankful for the last year of her dog’s life. They spent most of that time together. “She traveled with me, went on walks with me, and went on almost every store trip I made. She was my best friend and I hope she felt the love I gave her during her last year.”
Unfortunately, not everyone is as kind and dedicated to their pets as Brittany. According to the author, some people give up on their dogs once they start getting older.
“There are too many senior dogs in shelters. Rather, it’s because of costs or that they can’t stand to see their pets age, too many people give up on their senior dogs.”
So before you impulsively go buy or rescue that cute canine you’ve fallen in love with at first sight, you need to be prepared in advance for all of the good and bad things that will come over the dog’s lifetime. A lot of people agreed with Brittany’s message: her post got more than 52k likes, was shared over 81k times, and started a real discussion with 7.3k comments.
Brittany lives with her husband and son in Texas. She is the author of The Hazed Series, The Forever Series, The Lies We Tell, and The Autumn Leaf. You can find her books on Amazon right here.
Here’s what some people said after reading Brittany’s heart-wrenching post
The emotional resilience demanded when caring for senior pets reminds us that companionship transcends age.
If you’re looking to further understand emotional support, you might find value in exploring ways to comfort others in times of sadness. It offers insights that can be applied not just to humans, but to the loyal animals we cherish as well.
What do you think ?
Metaniel 5 years ago
I think that also important question is: are you ready to pay med bills for your furry friend no matter what? I've met lots of people at the vet office that we're looking for the cheapest alternative, swearing at dog, or cat, because they got sick or old. People are trying to get rid of "the problem", so they won't have to pay and take care of them. It's sad how many shelters are full of old doggos that need some medical treatment and lots of love. My dog got seriously sick this year, but with tons of love, meds, treatment and 1k later he's happy, full of life again and lovely. And yep, his diet is not cheap at all, but if it will make him feel better, I will buy whatever he needs
abby smink 5 years ago
I've always been willing to pay whatever bills may come, but the hard part is, some vets will not make payment arrangements, while some will. The vet I have now, while I am very happy with almost everything, they will not be flexible regarding that. Who has 3k laying around for an echo and cardiac workup? Thankfully, I had won some money at that time, and so I did, but hopefully it will not be an issue in the future. I'm more than willing to make payments whenever I can with the vet, but some just won't work with you.
Load More Replies...
Kristin Ingersoll 5 years ago
What a strange headline! "Touching Post About Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog Goes Viral" What did that have to do with something going viral??? Also - Just had to put my old lady to sleep and it was the hardest thing I've ever done, holding her paw. Now I'm sobbing again. Which is why HEADLINES ARE IMPORTANT!!! I wouldn't have subjected myself to this right now. :(
CB KittyValet 5 years ago
(((Hugs))) It's the hardest thing about having a pet. The heartache will lessen and you'll remember the love.
Load More Replies...
Stille20 5 years ago
Of course you can't imagine that until you have senior dog. This is a self righteous post. Like with many things., you don't know until you are there what it is like. I did crazy stuff to keep my senior dog comfy. She was healthy, but needed special meals and eye drops and could no longer do stairs or jump on the couch, but I wouldn't have imagined it 15 years prior.
K Witmer 5 years ago
I rescue senior dogs and it's devastating when they pass away. Every time I have to have my sweet dear companions put to rest it kills me. The suffering is worse. I've had two die from cancer it's awful. I have one now that can't see or hear. She always has to be touching me. I don't mind. I work from home even before the pandemic so I don't leave her. She goes w me to the bathroom. She also depends on the younger dogs. I'll be devastated again soon but I love them and I'm able to care for them
Mohammad Ammar 5 years ago
But people learn these things as they grow with their pet.once its part of your family cleaning up after it feels more like a responsibility than a chore.
K. LNU 5 years ago
I think she's pointing out that people need to consider this. To get a pet, should be for the life of said pet. Not just until they are an inconvenience. And there are so many people that do not consider a pet "part of the family." As a volunteer at a no-kill shelter, I see a lot of dogs that are dropped off due to being "too old."
Load More Replies...
Shadow 5 years ago
My fur baby, Mr. Magoo (14 years), was diagnosed with Hyperaldosteronism this summer, prognosis is 1 month to a year. I have to give him 2 types of medication, the first is a potassium supplement 3 times a day, the other is a half pill of spironolactone twice a day. This will continue until the end of his life. Initial emergency vet bill was $1300, every three months he needs another blood test $120, the meds: $55 and $13 for a months supply. I didn't hesitate at the cost, I don't even care. Magoo is a member of my family and while it's going to be hard when the time comes to say goodbye, he has lived a full and healthy live and is greatly loved.
Rebecca O'Donnell 5 years ago
I am so sorry for everybody who has had to go through the heartbreak of losing a fur baby. Hopefully, the knowledge that there are some people, my husband and I, that adopt only senior and special needs dogs, usually black, will be some good news for today.
lara 5 years ago
Buck died from Lupus, he was not diagnosed until the day before he died, we had been to several different vets. None of them recognized Lupus. Lady died of lung cancer. Years before she had lumps on her stomach. The vet removed them, I said, what did the pathologist say? The vet said "oh, didn't send them to the pathologist, if they come back it's cancer, if not, not cancer". They came back about five years later as lung cancer and it wasn't until she died and we did the path that we discovered why the cancer didn't show up on x-rays, it consisted of tiny thumb sized flat tumors all through her lungs. Then there was Alex, Molly and Mandy whom the frucking Chinesed k8illed with their poisoned dog food. I checked their dog food, Alpo canned, only Mandy got a whole can, the other two licked her bowl. It wasn't until about six weeks after the initial warnings that Alpo said "oh, yeah, the gluten we are using came from China, but too late, all three had liver and kidney cancer. A
lara 5 years ago
Then there was Major, he died of a broken heart about a year after Mandy. Then there was Sugar, she died of liver cancer, Pepper, Major and Sugar's daughter died of Angiosarcoma, she was on the operating table to have a small lump removed. She went into heart failure while she was receiving the anesthetic. Post showed a huge tumor in her heart that had ruptured. Then there was Maddie, intestinal cancer, NOT diagnosed until the post, despite having gone to several vets, then Katie, a rescue with heartworms, she lived exactly one year after treatment, then Cassidy, he lived one week after they brought him to me, he had parvo, he was six weeks old, I never got to hold him because he was so contagious, he was at the hospital and I would visit him twice a day, it was only 30 miles away, but it felt like a million. There was Lil Bit who died or oral melanoma, she lived one year to the day after she was diagnosed, took her to A&M they gave her three months, took her to a specialist, who
Load More Replies... Metaniel 5 years ago
I think that also important question is: are you ready to pay med bills for your furry friend no matter what? I've met lots of people at the vet office that we're looking for the cheapest alternative, swearing at dog, or cat, because they got sick or old. People are trying to get rid of "the problem", so they won't have to pay and take care of them. It's sad how many shelters are full of old doggos that need some medical treatment and lots of love. My dog got seriously sick this year, but with tons of love, meds, treatment and 1k later he's happy, full of life again and lovely. And yep, his diet is not cheap at all, but if it will make him feel better, I will buy whatever he needs
abby smink 5 years ago
I've always been willing to pay whatever bills may come, but the hard part is, some vets will not make payment arrangements, while some will. The vet I have now, while I am very happy with almost everything, they will not be flexible regarding that. Who has 3k laying around for an echo and cardiac workup? Thankfully, I had won some money at that time, and so I did, but hopefully it will not be an issue in the future. I'm more than willing to make payments whenever I can with the vet, but some just won't work with you.
Load More Replies... Kristin Ingersoll 5 years ago
What a strange headline! "Touching Post About Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog Goes Viral" What did that have to do with something going viral??? Also - Just had to put my old lady to sleep and it was the hardest thing I've ever done, holding her paw. Now I'm sobbing again. Which is why HEADLINES ARE IMPORTANT!!! I wouldn't have subjected myself to this right now. :(
CB KittyValet 5 years ago
(((Hugs))) It's the hardest thing about having a pet. The heartache will lessen and you'll remember the love.
Load More Replies... Stille20 5 years ago
Of course you can't imagine that until you have senior dog. This is a self righteous post. Like with many things., you don't know until you are there what it is like. I did crazy stuff to keep my senior dog comfy. She was healthy, but needed special meals and eye drops and could no longer do stairs or jump on the couch, but I wouldn't have imagined it 15 years prior.
K Witmer 5 years ago
I rescue senior dogs and it's devastating when they pass away. Every time I have to have my sweet dear companions put to rest it kills me. The suffering is worse. I've had two die from cancer it's awful. I have one now that can't see or hear. She always has to be touching me. I don't mind. I work from home even before the pandemic so I don't leave her. She goes w me to the bathroom. She also depends on the younger dogs. I'll be devastated again soon but I love them and I'm able to care for them
Mohammad Ammar 5 years ago
But people learn these things as they grow with their pet.once its part of your family cleaning up after it feels more like a responsibility than a chore.
K. LNU 5 years ago
I think she's pointing out that people need to consider this. To get a pet, should be for the life of said pet. Not just until they are an inconvenience. And there are so many people that do not consider a pet "part of the family." As a volunteer at a no-kill shelter, I see a lot of dogs that are dropped off due to being "too old."
Load More Replies... Shadow 5 years ago
My fur baby, Mr. Magoo (14 years), was diagnosed with Hyperaldosteronism this summer, prognosis is 1 month to a year. I have to give him 2 types of medication, the first is a potassium supplement 3 times a day, the other is a half pill of spironolactone twice a day. This will continue until the end of his life. Initial emergency vet bill was $1300, every three months he needs another blood test $120, the meds: $55 and $13 for a months supply. I didn't hesitate at the cost, I don't even care. Magoo is a member of my family and while it's going to be hard when the time comes to say goodbye, he has lived a full and healthy live and is greatly loved.
Rebecca O'Donnell 5 years ago
I am so sorry for everybody who has had to go through the heartbreak of losing a fur baby. Hopefully, the knowledge that there are some people, my husband and I, that adopt only senior and special needs dogs, usually black, will be some good news for today.
lara 5 years ago
Buck died from Lupus, he was not diagnosed until the day before he died, we had been to several different vets. None of them recognized Lupus. Lady died of lung cancer. Years before she had lumps on her stomach. The vet removed them, I said, what did the pathologist say? The vet said "oh, didn't send them to the pathologist, if they come back it's cancer, if not, not cancer". They came back about five years later as lung cancer and it wasn't until she died and we did the path that we discovered why the cancer didn't show up on x-rays, it consisted of tiny thumb sized flat tumors all through her lungs. Then there was Alex, Molly and Mandy whom the frucking Chinesed k8illed with their poisoned dog food. I checked their dog food, Alpo canned, only Mandy got a whole can, the other two licked her bowl. It wasn't until about six weeks after the initial warnings that Alpo said "oh, yeah, the gluten we are using came from China, but too late, all three had liver and kidney cancer. A
lara 5 years ago
Then there was Major, he died of a broken heart about a year after Mandy. Then there was Sugar, she died of liver cancer, Pepper, Major and Sugar's daughter died of Angiosarcoma, she was on the operating table to have a small lump removed. She went into heart failure while she was receiving the anesthetic. Post showed a huge tumor in her heart that had ruptured. Then there was Maddie, intestinal cancer, NOT diagnosed until the post, despite having gone to several vets, then Katie, a rescue with heartworms, she lived exactly one year after treatment, then Cassidy, he lived one week after they brought him to me, he had parvo, he was six weeks old, I never got to hold him because he was so contagious, he was at the hospital and I would visit him twice a day, it was only 30 miles away, but it felt like a million. There was Lil Bit who died or oral melanoma, she lived one year to the day after she was diagnosed, took her to A&M they gave her three months, took her to a specialist, who
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