Quality of Life

Nala gave us a lifetime of unwavering, unconditional love. Every greeting was enthusiastic and joyful, and she always arrived carrying a stuffed animal as if presenting us with a treasured gift. On walks—one of her favorite things—she would glance behind to make sure we were still with her. She loved the water, too, and seemed happiest when we were all together.

When Nala was diagnosed with cancer, we learned she might have only six to twelve months left. We sought care from Dr. Rebekah Lewis, who gave Nala exceptional clinical care and guided us when surgery was no longer an option. Her advice was simple and compassionate: give Nala the best quality of life possible for whatever time remained.

But Nala had already given us the best quality of life, and we wanted to return that gift. I told Dr. Lewis we wanted Nala to see the ocean, and she encouraged us to go. My husband and I took her to Jekyll Island, one of the country’s most dog-friendly beaches. There, Nala felt the sand, saw the waves, and experienced the ocean.

While we were there, she suddenly worsened. A local veterinarian gave her medication and believed she would be okay, but that evening Nala passed away between the two people who loved her most.

My heart is still breaking, and I miss her deeply. Yet I am grateful for Dr. Lewis’s advice and for our final journey together. We rescued Nala, but she rescued us in return. She was a gift from God, and her love made every day richer.