This Thanksgiving Day, I'm especially Thankful beyond words for the last 16 years & 4 months with my Beloved Basilico.

I'd like to share with you a few notes I made to a handful of special people.

Maria-Phil, it has taken me over a month to be able to write and inform you that my Beloved Basilico is in Doggie Heaven. On September 14, 2021 his Breath Became Air and he jetted off to Doggie Heaven on a Blue Angel Jet.  

The time came that his quality of life was no longer great and though he did not suffer with pain (thanks to Pain Relief & Nerve Tonic), I could see he felt vulnerable when left alone even for minutes. I was able to stay at home with him for the last few months of his life to stay by his side and to pour my boundless love all over him. I thought I had prepared somewhat but obviously, I simply was not ready. I'm shattered beyond words. He has been my EVERYTHING for the last 16 years and I'm truly lost without my boy. Only folks like you can fully understand. Maria, when I saw your words for Celeste - The Heart of my Heart and The Love of My Life, I thought to myself... "that is a soul that feels the intense love and bond that a human can only feel with their dog companion".  Basilico was and remains exactly that, The Heart of my Heart and The Love of My Life. 

Maria, it was you 2 years ago that you arrived in our life like an Angel and with your deep care, knowledge and intuition guided me to provide Basilico with what he needed to recover. I credit you immensely for his recovery and reclaimed health and vitality during these past 2 years. I was able to enjoy 2 more birthdays and many days and moments filled with Love and Laughter. His quality of life during this time was good and only in the last few months did his function become compromised. I consistently gave Basilico all the wonderful, high quality and efficacious products from your company Pet Health & Nutrition Center.  I will never be able to Thank You Enough for that amazing gift of life extension and blessings you gave my family and I. You will always have a special place in my heart. I hope to continue to bless many doggos using your product line and expertise for years to come.  

With Love and Immense Gratitude!

My dearest soul sister Janean, you gave me the courage to make the single most searing & painful decision of my life. For allowing me to process my intense grief and sorrow. Without you I'm certain the Ground Beneath My Feet would have devoured me. Sugar & Basilico are Wagging in Bliss. Soul Sisters for Life.

My dear Grenadian Friend, Pan Man Zack, you dropped everything to craft the most regal and special resting place for Basilico. Thank you for blessing us with your soothing steel drum tones and for giving Basilico and I the most peaceful and joyful farewell together. I will treasure our last physical dance and dream of dancing in the moonlight.

Shawn T, my dear friend and neighbor whose sensitive and poetic writings always melt my heart. Your words of admiration of my valiant fight for Basilico will always serve as a reminder that I gave my 110%. Booty Rubs and Shiba Marching with you were his Favorite!

Kelly, me amiga and fellow INFJ/P for sharing Basilico's drive home on DAY 1 and your prophetic words of "You are going to be the Best Mommie in the World to Sweet Basilico. Your intense hunger for knowledge inspires me always to learn more and be better every single day.

I was granted an ad honorem Naturopathic Vet (DVM) Degree by my favorite doctor friend and was reminded that I provided Basilico with the great care and dedication I offer my human patients but with Organic Gravy on TOP!

Ronda, my Zonian friend in San Antonio, your endless stream of uplifting doggie cards with messages of positivity have kept me smiling through the tears and refocusing on the Fun Times.

To my Amazing Mom and Cocobolo, for allowing Basilico to keep watch over you and greeting him with each Sunrise and Sunset.

To all my unnamed yet treasured friends and patients who allowed me to take extra time off and showed how much you cared by your heartfelt words and cards. Mil Gracias!

Dr. Val