This Story of a Dying Dog's Last Day Is Beautiful (and Will Make You Sob Uncontrollably)

If you're looking for a good cry sesh, this story of a dog's last day on Earth will do the trick

By Elizabeth Freda Jul 14, 2014 7:58 PMTags
DukeYouTube

It doesn't matter if you're watching the funniest episode of The Mindy Project and giggling with your best friend—looking at these photos will break your heart and cause you to immediately burst into tears, with your friend asking, "What is happening to you?"

Duke Roberts, a black labrador retriever from Houston, Tex., was euthanized on Monday, July 7. Before that, he had an amazing last day with his family. And the entire, touching ordeal was documented.

Jordan Roberts, "Dukey's" owner, adopted him almost three years ago after falling in love with his adoption video, like any human with a heart would. Not long after, Duke was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a cancerous bone tumor) and doctors removed one of his front legs in order to save his life. However, the tumor spread and Duke had been in a lot of discomfort. Roberts exhausted other options, but ultimately had to choose to put Dukey out of his misery.

When Roberts decided it was time to let Duke go, she called friend and photographer Robyn Arouty to capture their final moments together. Arouty put together a photo essay on her blog, complete with heartbreaking captions. These are some of the results. Proceed with caution, AKA a large box of tissues.

"I Died Today. By Duke Roberts.

And I ate a lot of hamburgers. We had a party."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"And we laughed."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"And I thought about how much I'm going to miss it here."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"We told jokes."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"We were serious."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"Kristen came to see me. She's a hoot. She's my groomer. And my buddy."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"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!"

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"I need you to help me watch over my family."

"Do you hear me? This is all I want!"

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"We smiled today."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"We broke the rules today."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"I listened to the kids play off in the distance. And thought about my two babies at home. I loved protecting them."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"I relaxed today."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"I felt no pain. Even though the tumor grew so big."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"I felt the love today."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"I said goodbye to my beautiful friend Kira. She 'saw' me standing over everybody before the doctor said it was time. I was excited & jumpy & happy."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"Well, I didn't say goodbye. I said 'til we meet again."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"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."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

"Always, Dukey."

Courtesy: Robyn Arouty Photography

For more information about Dukey's story, visit Arouty's blog or Facebook page.

And give your dog an extra hug when you get home tonight.