Hudson

The first time I met Hudson, he greeted me with a gentle kiss on my hand and laid down in the grass at my feet. There was an immediate sense of trust and connection. It felt like I had known him my whole life, even though I’d only just met him. After fostering him for a few months, I adopted this sweet, gentle ten-year-old boy, thinking we might have two or three special years together.

But Hudson had other plans.To my surprise and delight, he was full of vibrant, puppy-like energy. I was in awe of his endurance, his intelligence, and the way he met me everyday with unconditional love. He connected to my soul in a way no one else had before and I was so lucky he chose me.

Then I met Dmitriy. And from the very first moment they met, I saw something shift in Hudson.Their friendship grew into something truly beautiful. When we moved in together, I’d get texts from D saying, “Hudson woke me up with a nose boop and a kiss as soon as you left.” They became inseparable-sharing morning walks, car rides, play time, and so much joy. D brought out a playfulness in Hudson I’d never seen before, something he carried on throughout their whole relationship.

Together, the three of us made a lifetime of memories-quiet moments and grand adventures alike. But as Hudson turned 16 late last year, we began to notice changes. He was slowing down. Earlier this year, after a sudden vestibular episode, we thought we might have to say goodbye. But Hudson, to our amazement, bounced back. We cherished every extra day, but we knew… time was gently guiding us toward the inevitable.

In the last few months, he began to decline more significantly—his body growing tired and weak, his spirit still strong, but fading. Through it all, he held on for us. I could see it in his eyes. He wasn’t ready to leave until he knew we would be okay.

After many tearful conversations, we made the hardest and most loving decision we could—to let him go peacefully, wrapped in all the love he gave so freely in his time with us. On October 8th, Hudson crossed the rainbow bridge in the most beautiful, gentle ceremony. Dr. Sarah, Carrie, and Cynthia—thank you for creating the most beautiful space where his final moments were filled with peace, gratitude, and deep love.

The house feels impossibly quiet and our hearts have broken in a way that seems irreparable. But even in our grief, there is comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering in pain. Now, we hold on to the memories, the love, his nose prints imprinted on our car windows, and the gift of having known him. A heartfelt thank you to every single person who has visited Hudson in his last few weeks, sent us kind words and prayers, and brought him so so many treats. To say Hudson was loved is an understatement and I know his legacy will carry on in our hearts forever. We miss you Hudson and love you.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never ends.” 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8