I Died Today by Duke. A Story Of A Dog’s Last Day That Will Touch Your Heart. A Must See.

You never expect it when you choose your puppy or kitten from the litter, or adopt your pet, but it’s inevitable – our four-legged friends always quickly become such an important part of your family. We take care and give them love, just as much as they take care and give us love an affection back. They snuggle by our side, aimlessly follow us all around the house, and give us sloppy kisses until we can’t take it any more. But, after years of so many great memories and fun, we are usually the ones to have to say goodbye to our four-legged friends and it’s never an easy process.

When this family found out that they’d have to say goodbye to their beloved dog Duke as a result of a tumor, they made sure to make the dog’s last day special. The dog’s final day was full of Duke’s favorite things: friends, family, hamburgers, car rides, and even fun in the park. And, it was all documented by photographer Robyn Arouty, who shared the story on her blog, which is currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to the high volume of traffic coming to see Duke’s story. Well, below are all of the original photos and words. The words are especially touching, as they were written as if coming from Duke the dog’s perspective. Enjoy the beautiful story.

I Died Today by Duke Roberts

“And I ate a lot of hamburgers. We had a party.”
"And I ate a lot of hamburgers. We had a party." -Duke the dog

Robyn Arouty

“And I laughed.”
"And I laughed" -Duke the dog

Robyn Arouty

“And I thought about how much I’m going to miss it here.”
"And I thought about how much I’m going to miss it here." -Duke the dog

Robyn Arouty

“We told jokes.”
"We told jokes" -Duke the Dog

Robyn Arouty

“We were serious.”
We were serious. - Duke the dog

Robyn Arouty

“My friends from next door came to see me. They’re twins. When someone offered them one of my hamburgers, one said, ‘No thank you. I don’t want to take any from Dukey.'”
My friends from next door came to see me. -Duke the dog

Robyn Arouty

“Kristen came to see me. She’s a hoot. She’s my groomer. And my buddy.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“While we were waiting for the vet to come, Kristen said we were going for a walk. Then someone said, ‘How about a play in the water at the splash park down the street?’ So off we went!”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“You know I’m going to miss you, right?”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“And you too, right?”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“I need you to help me watch over my family.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“Did you hear me? This is all I want!”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“We got wet today.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“We smiled today.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“We felt grateful today.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“We broke the rules today.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“I listened to the kids play off in the distance. And thought about my two babies at home. I loved protecting them.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“I relaxed today.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“I felt no pain. Even though the tumor grew so big.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“I felt the love today.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“I said goodbye to my beautiful friend Kira. She ‘saw’ me standing over everybody before the doctor said it was time. I was excited & jumping & happy.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“Well, I didn’t say goodbye. I said ’til we meet again.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“God, I was lucky. Our time was short. But you both gave me a second chance & we lived it up together. You love when I look at you. I’ll never stop.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

“Always, Dukey.”
Duke the Dog's story of his last day on earth.

Robyn Arouty

(via BuzzFeed)

Now that you got through the tough part, watch the Dukey’s adoption video from three years ago to put a smile on your face:

A special story for a very special dog!

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