Long live my best friend, Max.

Over the years, I have read countless tributes about dogs passing and the profound bonds they shared with their owners. I felt deep sympathy for those people, often shedding tears for their loss. I would think about the day I might face the same situation, but I never truly understood the depth of that pain—until now.

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On Wednesday, March 29, that day came for me. I had no choice but to say goodbye to my best friend, Max. From the moment he joined our family, right after I got married, he was more than just a dog. Max was the glue that held everything together and a source of unconditional love.

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In this profound sadness, I am trying to find ways to cope with his loss. Writing this eulogy is an attempt to express my grief and perhaps offer some understanding to those who may not realize how deeply our dogs touch our lives.

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Please, don’t tell us not to cry. Don’t say they are "just dogs" and not human. Don’t say it will pass or that the important thing is not to let them suffer. Don’t suggest getting another dog or compare this pain to other unbearable ones.

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You don’t know how many times your dog looked you in the eye with total trust. You don’t know how often it was only your dog by your side. You don’t know the one being who never judged you was your dog. You don’t know how many nights your dog slept beside you. You don’t know how much you’ve changed since your dog became part of your life. You don’t know how many times you talked to your dog, the only one who truly listened. You don’t know how good you were to your dog and how he always stood by you when things went wrong.

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Most of all, you don’t know how deeply your dog loved you and how little he needed to be happy, because you were enough for him.

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Rest in peace, Max. You were my loyal buddy, my confidant, and my best friend. Your memory will forever be cherished in my heart.