My trip to St.Vincent and the Grenadines was a short but very productive one, filled with mixed emotions and unexpected challenges. My daughter and grandson arrived a week ahead of me, excited to explore the beauty of the island. The plan was for me to meet them there and return two weeks later, a week after they depart for New York. It all started on a high note, with laughter and the joy of family togetherness, until we received the heartbreaking news that our beloved pet dog Rambo was sick with lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). Panic set in as I realized that this could be a life-altering situation for us. I immediately bought a ticket to return with my family a week before my scheduled return, prioritizing Rambo’s health and our need to be with him during this difficult time. To date, it is my shortest trip to St. Vincent, marked by both treasured memories and a profound sense of potential loss. There were so many loved ones I never got to see on this trip, their absence palpable, yet I understood it was a necessary exit to make it back to our little buddy, whose wellbeing weighs heavily on our hearts. For many, he is just a dog; for our family, he is a cherished family member who has brought us countless moments of joy and unconditional love. His wagging tail and playful spirit serve as a reminder of the simple joys in life, and our bond with him deepens with each passing day, illuminating the importance of returning home to a pet who is dear to us. After a frustrating two-hour delay in St. Vincent, we finally made it back home, our hearts heavy with worry yet hopeful. Despite being sick and losing some weight, Rambo greeted us with sheer excitement and tail wags that filled the room with warmth. His caretaker for that week is a trusted family friend, who worked diligently to ensure he had a proper diagnosis and was cared for to the best of her ability. Despite his lack of appetite, she was able to spoon some food into him, gently encouraging him to take his cocktail of medications, all while showering him with affection, prayers and trying with everything she had to comfort and care for him. So now we continue to shower him with love, prayers, and hope for a miracle, so we could enjoy the little guy a little longer, cherishing every moment we have with him as he continues to fight this battle with all the strength he can muster.