it's been a hard week 

I worked for a veterinarian for 16 years. I always told people that they (your pet) will "tell" you when it's time. Noone knows her better than you and she will find a way to let you know when she's ready. Also, when it is time that is the last ultimate act of love you can give her. We want to keep them for us because we love them so much and don't want to say goodbye. Please don't let the vet put her down on the table. She needs to see your face and hear your voice. It will hurt you but knowing the people she loved were telling her they loved her is what she deserves.

Lifting a dog up out of suffering is how we talk about it in our house. Not putting them down.

God placed Emily in your home for a reason, and you are fulfilling her needs. She could not ask for better care and love❤

Please know you have taken in a life that was mistreated and abused . You changed her life for the best and gave her the most love possible . I’m a owner and operator of a animal sanctuary the pain of losing a baby is devastating but you did everything possible. We love you guys so much

I was a vet technician years ago. I just love animals. Having had 3 dogs of my own, I understand how Emmie being sick is pulling at your heart strings. One of these days, you may have to put her down so she doesn't suffer. If and when you do, hold her in your arms, look into her eyes, and tell her how much you love her. She will drift off to sleep hearing and knowing that she was loved so much. You guys have given her a beautiful life at the end.

You have such a positive attitude Phil. The world would be a much better place if everyone was like you. Thank you so much.

when you adopt senior animals you must understand that it might not be for the long haul but give them the most love and care you can as long as you have them. Sometimes you need to be cruel to yourselves to show them the ultimate love by letting them go. Surgery on any senior animal is so risky never mind one that is so ill. Sending you all love as hard as these times are.

I am 30-something years old. And I’m sorry if this sounds weird, but you guys remind me sooo much of my parents when I was younger! You even look like them! I want to encourage you- because my parents are the most amazing, generous, loving, kindhearted people I’ve ever known! And I had such an amazing childhood and am so thankful and grateful to God they were my parents and I sooo think that’s how your girls will know you too! My dad also did that with his beard/mustache once- it did not go over well! It actually scared my sister so bad she wouldn’t go near him till he grew it back 🤣

Never good when your dog is poorly but you need to think of Emily, please don’t let her suffer any more, prayers for you all

Nice to hear from Phillip. He seems like the best father and husband and so compassionate regarding Emilie❤️. I love when he is included in video. Prayers for Em🙏🏻🙏🏻🕊

Phillip you are amazing. Your family is blessed to have you

after the storm is always a rainbow. Theres never good without a little bad. It's the balance of life. Sending love

Philip you are an amazing person. Anyone else would be crying, cursing, mad. People need to be more like you!🙏🙏🙏

Phillip, you are an amazing human being. ❤

The Lord brought her to you all. He knew what you needed and knew that after her previous life she needed someone to love her till the end. I pray that miracles happen for all of you.

So in our house we changed from putting a dog down to lifting them UP out of suffering. I know the rollercoaster of changes with terminal dogs all to well. My thoughts are with you.

Love you Phillip! Thank you for the inspiration and Godly wisdom. You are a blessing to all of us! 💟

I am so sorry for Emy but also so glad she is with you guys ❤

I found your words at the end of this vlog so uplifting. I have suffered from major clinical depression my entire adult life and for the last few weeks it's been really hard to even get out of bed. Today I feel like I am glued to my desk chair watching videos and I'm unable to push myself past it. I have two sons with terminal brain cancer. I live in utter poverty and my health is getting worse by the minute but I have had worse days, weeks and years and I know that this too shall pass and that there are others out there dealing with war, death and upheaval of their entire world. God is with all of us and will help us through this and more. I send you all my love and a big squeeze for Emily.

I admire you guys for staying positive and keeping the big picture in mind. Definitely tough things happening, but you’ve faced a lot of tough times together. This too shall pass. Very eloquent reflections by Phil.

I am so sorry about your sweet puppy! My first doggie I had got sick suddenly, and we did everything in our power to try to keep him with us. God gave us all an overwhelming sense of peace and knowledge that he was ready to go, and that he was waiting for us to let him. Our vet was so sweet and let us stay late with him and played worship music and we all sang and worshiped and held him as he drifted to sleep. It was one of the hardest, but also sweetest memories we have as a family. Praying for you all as you walk through this difficult path. 🙏💜

We tell our kids that God gave us animals to care for and sometimes caring for them hurts our hearts but that we will see them again when it's our turn for heaven. We also don't "put them down/to sleep" we say we are "helping them to heaven" 💜

Glass always half full and never half empty! The positive to take from Emily is she knows that there is love out there and she found it even if for a short time

Gosh you guys are such an inspiration to me to stay positive even when I feel like I'm drowning. Every family has their hardships and heartbreaks and I reminded of that now more than ever. Keep it up, Phil and Alex, you are making a real difference in people's lives!

Phil and Alex my heart hurts for you guys. Emily is so thankful to have you guys we all know that's for sure! Living whatever life out she has with THE BEST parents. You guys have given her a second chance at life and are doing all the right things. I pray for Emily daily. I pray she is healed whatever was that maybe. I pray her surgery is a success and she gets another couple years. We just lost our first golden a year ago January. That was the absolute hardest day of my life. He was our baby and our everything. He was with us through our infertility journey and was the sweetest. He also passed from cancer. He lived a little over a year and was on steroids for several months towards the end. I did everything to get him to eat. I found the one meal he loved! It might be worth a try for Emmy! I would put 2 to 3 lbs of hamburger in a crock pot with rice chicken brother mixed veggies and cubed sweet potatoes and he would gobble til he wobbled! It might be worth a shot? Maybe make a small batch at first to see if she likes it? Praying for you guys! Much love The Smith's

You are always in my thoughts and prayers 🙏❤ you adopted 2 beautiful children my Mom spent all her life in foster homes or living with a foster family. She never got adopted a family kept her off and on when she was about 12 she lived with them until she graduated my mother called her mother and she was my grandmother and he was my grandfather my whole life. When I was really young I stayed with them until I started kindergarten. They had over 1500 kids from a few days to years they had children born with no limbs they had blind kids they had deaf kids they had whole families they only had ac3 bedroom home and a big backyard they put 12 swings and a slide that was about 15 ft tall. They had a half acre garden that supplied food all year long they had ways to get a half of a cow and half a a pig which kept everyone fed. They were a Christian family who taught me right from wrong they taught me everything I needed to know. How to be polite appreciate everything you have just because someone else has something you don't you can be happy for them not jealous. They lived into their 90's had 76 years married together before my grandfather passed away. When we had Christmas at their home every room in the house was full even the garage had the food in it because it was a heated 2 car garage. So even though things seem hard owning a home I never got the privilege of owning my own home. I rented my whole 64 years of living. My parents only were able to own their house until I was about 4. My Dad got sick couldn't take care of the yard so he sold the house and moved into a apartment we went from apartment to apartment when I got married we lived in a couple trailers before we rented a home then we divorced then I rented a couple homes before I moved to a apartment and I have lived in several different apartments since then I moved to a senior apartment Last year which I'm not sure whether I'll stay here another year may move to another senior apartment in April if I can find something I like better than this one.

I totally understand what you're going through. My cat had diabetes and I tried everything it's the hardest thing to do. I hope and pray that 🙏 the lord provides you with a miracle

Emily: what a sweet, sweet girl. Will continue praying for her & your family. ❤ Basement: love your positive outlook & encouragement in the depths of frustration. Mustache: Reno 911 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I lost my baby during an op to remove his spleen,I wasn't with him but my neice who was his vet held him until his heart stopped,so he wasn't alone,he was only 9. It hurt so bad that I said no more dogs,but 4 months later an abandoned puppy came into my life.I lost my husband and best friend overnight 19 months ago, he has licked away my tears ever since.They give us unconditional love and when it is time for them to go we have to let them,they will be waiting for us in heaven.God bless you all🐶♥️

Alex I understand your preference but there is a point when Phil gets to decide❣️Love the mustache.

Emily was brought to you for a reason. To live her remaining time full of love that she has never known before. Sucks dogs do not live longer and things happen but when she crosses that Rainbow Bridge it will be beautiful. Just know someday you will be reunited with her again.

I love you guys and watch every single video you post, but I lost my faith this past November when our perfectly healthy and first born son was stillborn at 41 weeks. You guys give me so much hope and I love your stories. I wish I had the optimism you all have. My love to Emily and all that you guys do and share with us, it reminds me that life and love is still possible ♡

Even if Emily is only with you a short time, your family has made her life so much more complete! Thank you for adopting a older dog even if her time is short

Prayers for Emily, I hope when it's her time she finds the light peacefully. I know her energy will always surround you

I'm so sorry it' so hard to make that decision . but you have made her short life great I'm hope very thing turns out to be great my prayers are with you all😪😪

1. I’m so glad that Emily has had the love that she has had with your family. Think of the alternative of her being sick and dying where she was in that kennel. She knows she is loved and that is such a HUGE blessing. 2. I’m really sorry that you had to deal with the basement flooding at the same time. The blessing is that your contractor was supportive and responsible. Not all of them are like that! 3. Dude! That is a straight up cornstache but with a p not a c. 🥸🤣

I just saw your video and I wish so much I could take away all this pain with Emily. It doesn’t seem fair that she is so sick. You have given her so much love and attention that anyone I have I have ever known. It usually ends with a rainbow. Stay strong and sending you love hugs and prayers. Much love and respect from UK x

Phil I just wanted to comment and say as a man what a blessing and example that you are ... you speak with kindness.. you take the lessons that God gives you even if they're hard and you take it under your wing and you give thanks what a wonderful example of a father, husband and a christ-like attitude you have and my prayers are with you for the following days ahead for your fur babies God bless you all

Phillip you are such an inspiration to so many.

So sorry for all that has happened. It seems like anymore, things come at us in groups. So many of us can understand 💔 As far as the mustache….I honestly think you are one of the men that really look good with one. I’m usually not a fan of one but you really carry it well.

I agree with the follower that said you’re lifting her out of suffering. My dog just had cancer surgery. He removed almost half of her jaw. We are waiting to see if she has clear margins. I love you all💕💕💕

Sending you all so much love. 💜

They count on us to make the right decision for them. Our Sarie was 17 years. She was a rescue. We had her 14 years. 3 months or 14 years...the heartbreak is the same. May her journey be peaceful.

You've been a blessing to me! Your positive attitude and gratefulness make you wise beyond your years! Thank you!

Phillip with the most beautiful, inspiring messages through the hardest time. We love you!!

I am balling my eyes because I personally know what you are going through. The pain is unbearable. I lost my sweet Ginger is April and I still cry for her everyday. You need to try everything at least you have no regrets.

Your guys positive attitude is the midst of the battle is amazing! I love your channel! Thank you

We went through the flooding and a dog of 13 years we needed to put down and its hard and i mean hard stuff but we still got through it one day at a time. You are my hero's. Thank you for your realness and honesty. This is real life. I love what your teaching the girls. I love the support you get from your Parents!!!! Keep enjoying your life its a journey

You are Emily's Angels. Bless you for giving her a loving end to her place on this Earth. Bless her on her next journey. Sending Love and Blessings to all.

God is good….all the time. Love to you and your family.

Phil, you are such a ray of sunshine and warmth ❤️

I love how positive you are Philip! God bless you sweet guy.

You have filled Emilys last few days/weeks with so much love and care, she was meant to come into your special loving family for that very reason. Much love from the UK

I lost my golden doodle Ellie a couple years ago and it still hurts. I’m sorry that you are going through this, it’s the worst feeling in the world. But Emily got seriously lucky in the human department and I know she loves you guys just as much as you love her. It’s hard, but if you have to say goodbye than she’ll be in peace and won’t hurt anymore. At least that’s a comforting thought. Much love to you all ♥️

I remember when I was a kid not long before we were supposed to move into our new house our basement had flooded. It was definitely chaos but somehow we made it through. You have such an amazing positive attitude Phil....even with so much hard times you see the good that can come out of it....and hoping to help others in your community. We need more people like your family in this world. Anyhow am praying that things get a million times better for Emily & your family!! Sending so much love & positive energy from Toronto!!

Kingsley was adorable about the moustache. Made me laugh. Love her.

My heart is breaking WITH y’all! 💔 🐾 🐾 YOU have given Emily all she needs, she is living her best life. Wrapping her in prayer 🙏 🙏 ❤️🐾🐾

I love your perspective and positive attitude. Thank you for being raw and real. Love your family!

Hugs to All of you. You got this! Stay strong! You're not alone in the problems of homes and pets. But we're lucky to have both.

We deal with water in our basement as well and I know how "fun" that is to deal with. I cried when you talked about Emily. So glad that she is with your family, especially if it will be true about her days coming closer to end of her precious life, she knows and has experienced true love and compassion and her life will not end in sadness. I hurt for you. We still have times that we grieve for our dog we lost about 2 years ago that we had been blessed with for a little over 11 years. They are truly family!

My heart goes out to all of you. I understand the hurt in your hearts. I have been there. I am praying for a miracle for all of you. Emily in the meantime is enjoying the peace & love being part of your beautiful family. Phil, you are right about her being with your family for a reason. She is so happy about that. Sending so many hugs and prayers at this difficult time. Ps……. Phil you are so darn handsome, kind, loving, caring, motivated, & awesome. Please don’t take this wrong as nothing mean or nasty is meant by this. Please shave that mustache off.

You are so lucky to have a contractor willing to help you.

Wait why do I love Phil with the stash 😂 I know you’re all going through a rough period but we all love you and are there for you just like you’re there for us ❤️

As hard as it is to make the decision, please put Emily above how you feel. I have had to make that decision too many times to count. I even had to make that decision for my husband of 43 years. No one human or animal deserves to suffer to save us from that overwhelming pain of loss. As for the mustache, my hubby had one for almost our entire marriage, he had to shave it for Navy basic training and engineering school, but the moment he was able, it was back. He looked so different without it.

Our basement has flooded a few times in the past few years since we bought it. We put drainage tiles on the inside of the basement and have slowly been rebuilding everything that had to be torn out due to the flooding. It feels overwhelming at times, but we have learned so much through the process of rebuilding and our kids, especially the 6 year old boy, love getting to help work on the basement. I hope that you get a mental break soon!

Big 🤗 to you all! Animals are precious and hard times don't last forever 🤗

I like the mustache Phillip!

Praying for Emily's comfort and for ease in your trials. Asking prayers for my sister-in-law who was just admitted to the hospital with possible Covid.

Keeping you guys in our prayers. We just had to put our dog down due to cancer and we just got another puppy. It’s amazing how dogs help with anxiety.

She is on her way to the Rainbow Bridge and the love you all have shared with her since Christmas has been amazing. I know this pain of saying good bye. I have had to say goodbye to many pets and I had the privilege of holding my furry pets when they drifted off. It is so painful but helping Emily like you have is giving her all she needs now. God bless all of you for your love and caring. ❤‍🩹❤‍🩹🙏🙏

You guys are the best family to provide her love, care and stability in her final days. All a part of the greater plan im sure💘

Our 1st year at this home we lost all our building materials that where stored in our basement. We were told the basement was a dry basement and it was until a 2 week rains came. I understand the season of disbelief, frustrated and overwhelmingly sad. The Lord knew you could handle this and grow in HIM through it all. I love that you get that each challenge we encounter makes us grow and prepares us to help others who walk in our shoes behind us. God's perfect plan is amazing. As frustrated and hurt right now, you will be able to look back later on and see the beauty in those challenges. We fostered over 369 animals and the loss is so heart wrenching. But I look back and I know I gave each one my whole heart and helped them until it was time to hand them back to the Lord. Our sadness never goes away we just learn to deal with it better.. I feel bad I've not felt well with my Hemiplegic migraines I've missed a lot of your videos but please know I am raising you up in prayer! God bless~Debi

It's so important for your children to see how you deal with problems, both big and small. They're also learning about life and death of animals, and how to care for pets in pain.

Thank you Phil, for showing me how to put a lot of my own "frustrations" and "Irritants" into perspective.

I’m so glad that your contractor is good about fixing what’s wrong with your basement. I have done the animal care since I was 18. I’ve gone through hospice with every single animal that I have had. That’s been 10 times. I’ve adopted, not shopped. I’m on my 11th, 12th, and 13th time. It kills me when it’s time to go to the rainbow bridge. But I know that the fur babies I’ve adopted have had the bestest life ever. Even if the start of their life was hell. I’ve Made it so much better. I let each animal choose me. I believe God picks the ones because the fit has never been wrong. I’m 64. I will adopt until I have no breath in me. Then I’ll be at the rainbow bride and I’ll see every one of my fur babies and we will never be parted again. Luck and love 💗.

We had to put down our family dog of 13 years today .. my heart is with you. They’re so much more than just a dog

i had a beautiful golden for 13 years. Wonderful family pet. We adored her. Towards the end she was declining. She tended to slip on the floor. I was terrified that she'd fall when we weren't home and would be laying in pain. She also had gastro-intestinal issues, so she had diareah, which I'm sure was quite painful. I chose to put her down. She was given a sedative. She got tired, and lay on the floor in the vet's office, and I laid on the floor right next to her, my face up to her face. She fell off to sleep, and then she was put to rest. It was extremely sad, but I didn't want her to be in pain.

God gives us pain to help us realize how blessed we are. My mom passed away almost 8 months ago, along with my dog the month before, and my cat the month after. All this pain will help me to recognize each small blessing and savor it. It doesn’t mean my heart isn’t completely broken by the losses, and I don’t have times where I just collapse in tears. So even though Emmies time with you might be short, always look at the memories, and the opportunities that her life has opened up for you, for instance she led you to Chloe. Hugs and Prayers from NY.

Oh my guys, so sorry for these flooding issues in your basement, praying your contractor gets it fixed so this doesn’t happen again, thanking God for this week of warmer weather & clear skies here in KY & hopefully also in TN. Praying for Emily & for you guys in whatever decision you make🙏🏻❤️

Amen!! Prayers coming your way!!

I agree with Philip “no one wants to kiss a bald lip” 😂

I work for a Disaster Restoration company, if possible, make sure you get fans on your base boards where it was wet to prevent the possibility of mold growth. If the base board is bubbly and sort of a brownish/tan tint in the same area, that could potentially have mold growing behind it! Rain water is of course clean water so the likelihood of it molding is slim but still a possibility. Sorry that’s happens again, what a bummer!

Sending you guys love and prayers.

You're in my prayers. Your words encouraged me

It's so uplifting to see a family that truly shows the love of Jesus. When Philip said, "God is good, all the time, even in the midst of heartache or tragedy", it just really touched my heart. I've personally lost a sick dog so I truly feel their pain. I also know that God has a plan and His ways are better than my ways. Emily is absolutely blessed to be in your family and she will know what it feels like to be truly loved, especially at a time when she needs it the most. My heart truly breaks for your family. I'm praying for Emily and for all of your family. 😥🙏

Sending many blessings and love to sweet Emily’s health, to all of your hearts and prayers this leak situation will be resolved quickly

I have no words, sending you all the biggest hugs I have, Emmy knows you love her, god placed her with you for a reason and that reason was to give her the best final months ever and you have done just that. My heart is breaking for you. 💔💓

I am so sorry about Emily. Just know you are giving that sweet fur baby the. Best days of her life. Prayers for you an you sweet family.

Emily is feeling the love. In my prayers 🙏. I loved how u ended this video. With all your going through you have it in your heart to think of others. Bless you.

Thank you for being so kind.

I’m in Australia and we are experiencing some of the worst floods in years, so many families have been evacuated so far we are OK. God bless Emily and your family.

Emily is in the most perfect place she could be right now. Praying for you guys during this difficult time. You guys have a such an amazing perspective. 👏🏻

This too shall pass.. We have been through this. We are sending lots of love and light to Emily and your family.

She came to you so she could know love. She will definitely tell you when she's ready. It's the absolute hardest, kindest thing we can do for our fur babies. You have given her the best life that she never had until she came to you. Hugs to you all.

I am sending all my love to your beautiful family especially at this difficult time. I have been a great fan of your channel for ages and taken such interest in your ups and downs . I am now having to go off line on Tues for financial reasons so I just want to wish you joy happiness and God's blessings in all your challenges and the rest of your lives. God bless Emily especially. I pray for you all . Your friend Janice 🇬🇧❤

When you played that music coming out of the wet basement, my Amazon parrot whistled along. My hubby had a beard and moustache when I met and married him. One day, he cut it all off. He slept in the spare room until it grew back.

Sending you all my prayers and best wishes Emily is cared for and in a safe loving environment She couldnt have a better family ti end her days with Thinking of you all and sending you a big hug xx ❤❤

Praying for your beautiful pup. SO THANKFUL that God lead you to her for a sweet departure from this life❤️❤️❤️💔

Sending love and prayers your way 🙏 ❤

Prayers for this sweet Family. 🙏🏻