For Phoenix, the Bestest Boy in Town
I have to say goodbye to my best friend, my shadow, my comfort, and in so many ways, my soul child.
Phoenix came into my life when I needed him most. At one of the lowest points in my life, when it was hard to find reasons to keep moving forward, he quite literally got me back on my feet. Every day, he gave me a reason to get up, go outside, take another step, and keep going. Long before I realized it, he was helping put the pieces of me back together.
Phoenix was full of life. He had endless energy, always ready for an adventure, a walk, or whatever excitement the day might bring. Even as he got older, he kept showing up beside me. He walked with me for 45 minutes at a time right up until the very end. His body may have been aging, but his spirit never seemed to get the memo.
And when the adventure was over, he would curl up next to me and love me with his whole heart. There was something healing about being loved by Phoenix. He didn't care about mistakes, heartbreaks, failures, or bad days. He just loved. Fiercely. Completely. Unconditionally.
He taught me more than I ever taught him. He taught me consistency. He taught me how much comfort can come from simply showing up for someone every single day. He taught me that joy can be found in the smallest things—a walk around the neighborhood, a sunny spot on the floor, a favorite bone, a familiar face coming through the door. He reminded me that love doesn't have to be complicated to be profound.
People say dogs are part of our lives, but Phoenix felt like so much more than that. He wasn't just my best friend. He wasn't just a pet. He was family. He was home. He was a piece of my heart walking around outside my body.
The hardest part of loving a dog is that they never stay long enough. No amount of time would have been enough with you, Phoenix. I wasn't ready to say goodbye, and I don't think I ever would have been.
Thank you for every walk. Every cuddle. Every laugh. Every time you sat beside me when the world felt heavy. Thank you for helping me survive things you never knew about simply by being there.
I loved you more than I loved myself, and I hope you knew that every single day.
Wherever you are now, I hope there are endless trails to explore, every pole imaginable to pee on, and an unlimited supply of bones waiting for you. I hope the sun is always warm, your legs are always strong, and your tail never stops wagging.
Until we meet again, my sweet boy.
Thank you for finding me when I needed you most.
I will carry you with me for the rest of my life.
10/15/2013 – 06/21/2026
Emily Tenzer
North Las Vegas