Bringing Prince home was one of the happiest moments of my life.
He was a playful, energetic Labrador Retriever mix with big brown eyes and a heart full of love. From the first wag of his tail, I imagined years of adventures, cuddles, and growth together.
But sometimes, love also means making a decision you never thought you would have to make — a decision that puts the well-being of everyone, including your pet, first.
Today, I want to share something deeply personal: why I made the hard decision to relinquish my puppy, Prince.
This isn’t a story about failure.
It’s a story about responsibility, maturity, and putting love into action in the most difficult way.
Why I Made the Decision
When I first adopted Prince, I believed I was fully ready to care for a growing, active puppy.
I prepared the crate, bought the toys, scheduled vet appointments — I was all in.
But life, as it often does, shifted.
Between work demands, personal goals, and my commitment to building MarketingWithTamiya, I realized I wasn’t giving Prince the time, structure, or energy he truly deserved.
Puppies aren’t just cute companions — they need hours of training, patience, exercise, and attention every single day.
I loved him with all my heart, but love alone wasn’t enough to meet his needs in the way he needed them met.
Rather than letting him stay in an environment where he was lonely, under-stimulated, or confused, I chose the path of responsible pet ownership: finding Prince a new home where he would thrive.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Letting Go
Relinquishing Prince was not an easy decision.
It brought waves of guilt, sadness, second-guessing, and heartbreak.
I worried about judgment from others. I questioned myself constantly.
But deep down, I knew this was the right choice — not just for me, but for him.
Prince deserved a life full of adventure, affection, and structure. He deserved a family that had the space, energy, and lifestyle to match his big personality and even bigger heart.
Sometimes strength looks like holding on.
Other times, strength looks like letting go.
What I Learned From This Journey
While this experience was painful, it taught me some important life lessons:
- Love requires honesty: Loving someone (even a pet) sometimes means admitting you aren’t the best fit for their needs.
- It’s okay to pivot: Life isn’t static. Our needs, capacities, and situations change — and adjusting to reality is a form of growth, not weakness.
- Every ending holds space for a new beginning: I know Prince is on his way to a new chapter filled with love and attention — and I can move forward with gratitude for the time we shared.
A Note to Anyone Struggling With a Similar Decision
If you’re ever faced with the heart-wrenching decision to rehome a pet, please know this:
You are not a bad person.
You are not a failure.
You are putting your pet’s best interest ahead of your ego.
That is love in action.
And while it hurts now, you’re opening the door for both you and your pet to find the environments where you’ll each truly thrive.
Be gentle with yourself. Healing comes in waves.
Closing Thoughts
Prince will always hold a special place in my heart.
He taught me about unconditional love, patience, and responsibility.
Although our journey together was shorter than I had hoped, I’m grateful for every moment, every lesson, and every tail wag he gifted me.
If you’re reading this and going through a similar transition — whether with a pet, a relationship, a dream, or a season of life — remember:
Letting go doesn’t mean giving up.
Sometimes, it’s the purest, bravest form of love there is.
Sending love to everyone navigating hard decisions — you are not alone.
– Tamiya