08/24/2025
We debated on whether we should post this on the spas page, however all of my babies are spa dogs and you guys have a right to know. You love them as much as I do and we've been hit with emotional tragedy this morning.
This morning, at 5:35 AM on August 24, 2025, our world shattered. We said goodbye to our sweet, loud, and courageous boy, Ryu, our one-year and eight-month-old Cowboy Corgi. We named him Ryu, which means dragon, and he truly was our little dragon—fierce in spirit, loyal in heart.
​His passing was sudden and cruel, a blood clot in his brain stealing him from us without warning. We had no idea he was sick. We keep a watchful eye on all our babies, with regular vet visits and constant attention, so this came out of nowhere.
​He woke us up just after 5 AM, a time when he would always be cuddled up by our side. He was in pain, crying and vomiting, before he collapsed. His gums turned a terrible grey. We immediately called our dear friend, a vet tech, who guided us as we raced to Carolina Emergency Vet. I did everything I could: chest compressions, blowing into his nose, praying he would hold on. He did, just long enough for us to carry him inside. I felt his last breath as he left us, and with it, a piece of my soul was gone forever.
​I’ve never had to say goodbye like this. I’ve always been blessed to see my pets grow old, to have a long time to prepare and love them until the end. But Ryu was my youngest, my baby, my heart. The pain of losing him so young is a weight we can barely bear.
Our family is left with a gaping hole, a devastation that feels permanent.
​Ryu Eiji Pham, we will miss you forever. It’s not fair that we didn’t get a long life with you, but the year and eight months we had were the best of our lives. We love you so much, and a part of our hearts will always be with you.