09/11/2026
I wanted to share sweet Apollo’s recent end-of-life journey❤️ it was a peaceful end to an otherwise unpeaceful life for Apollo. Christopher found Apollo about 4 years ago abandoned on the street, severely malnourished, infested with fleas, skin infections and scared. He did not think twice about scooping him up and bringing to the shelter in hopes he was lost. He told the shelter if no claims him, I want him. They told him at that point they couldn’t be sure if he would make to adoption❤️
Thankfully he did! And thankfully he became an immediate part of family. I wish that was the end of Apollo’s painful journey, but it wasn’t. He had a subluxated patella - an expensive and long recovery surgery. Christopher didn’t care - he got the surgery and then carried him in and out for weeks during his recovery process.
He’s always been a the most loving and faithful companion and the best snuggler! He was a little goofy and a little clumsy, but we noticed his mobility was declining. He stopped going upstairs with Tony. He stopped jumping on the couch or bed. He was falling into furniture and walls. The decline became beyond that’s just Apollo being Apollo and we need to know what’s happening so we can help him.
In June, we took him to a neurologist in Charlotte where he was diagnosed with NCL, a generative brain disorder with no treatment and no expectations for how quickly Apollo’s quality of life would decline.
We made the decision it was time to end his suffering. He never stopped wagging his tail, loving everyone he met, but he wasn’t getting up right away after falling, the light from his eyes had dimmed. So we contacted Lap of Love a pet hospice in Charlotte.
On September 5th, Apollo’s life ended in peace surrounded by all who loved him dearly. He has left such a whole in our hearts. But his end-of-life could have been better for him. Dr. Dane was respectful, kept us informed of the process and moved at our pace while employing empathy and compassion for Apollo and for his family!
I share Apollo’s story because it reminded that we don’t treat humans at the end of their life as well as we treat our faithful companions. We are allowed to decide for them when their time for peace has come. We as humans don’t have the option in most cases to determine our own journey’s end when life becomes too painful, too burdensome, or our quality of life fails below what would be acceptable to us.
I have known one too many people who were forced to end their own suffering alone, scared, and never feeling the peaceful end Apollo felt. Additionally, those loved ones left behind who never got to say goodbye, who will never forget or forgive themselves for what their loved one was forced to endure at end-of-life.
My heart goes out to all of us who have lost a loved one or a faithful companion in such a way!
Apollo loved spending time at The Estate Preservation Law Firm. He never met anyone he didn’t love unconditionally!
My goal at the firm this year was to get people talking about long-term-care and end-of-life before the crisis hits. Having a plan and talking about your wishes can ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for when the worst happens. They won’t be wondering what you wanted, feeling guilty, scared or overwhelmed. Instead they will truly have the presence to be with you and carry out your final wishes. Give the gift of peace to you and your loved ones by preparing your Peaceful Living Plan!
After reading Apollo’s story you deserve to share in the last hours of his life as we were able to get these beautiful memorial photos from April Cannon at Running Mom Photography! Thank you April!
Thank you to all who took the time to read Apollo’s story, give him a pet at the office and offer prayers to our family! I hope it inspires you to create a plan for the final phase of life!
