Have you ever locked eyes…
That feeling in your gut — butterflies, breath caught, time pausing — and just knew this was it?
Some say it happens when you meet your soulmate.
For me, it happened when I met my soul pet.
Prince came into my son’s and my life during one of the most emotional times of our journey. We were grieving the passing of my Aunt Silvia — a divine advocate, a woman-empowering soul, and more than just an aunt… she was a mother figure.
At the same time, Prince was facing his own crossroads — awaiting rehoming or possible surrender at a local animal shelter. He too was in transition. A beautiful 3-year-old pooch with his LA Dodgers blanket, DIY glove toy, and bag of food, he leapt from the car seat and into my arms with tail wags and puppy kisses.
I felt it instantly. This was no ordinary pup. He was ours.
Our New Chapter
“Mom, are you sure?” my son asked.
“I just know he is it,” I said. “Prince isn’t just a dog. He’s family.”
From day one, Prince fit into our lives like a missing puzzle piece. He was silly, soulful, and sweet. He celebrated birthdays with us — pooch cakes, balloons, toys, and love. Every April 1st, not a joke but a divine reminder: new month, new beginnings.
His favorite toy? A glove tied to a branch — humble and creative. That glove represented more than play; it was resilience.
As life moved forward, Prince experienced it all:
- Birthday parties
- Cozy winters by the fire
- A bigger yard and a better life in Lancaster
- Countless snuggles, walks, and healing tears
The Unexpected Storm
A year after joining our family, Prince was diagnosed with a Stage 4 heart murmur. I was terrified. But I leaned in as the advocate I’ve always been — researching, applying for programs, ensuring he had everything he needed. Through LA County’s DACC program, we received a $500 voucher that covered part of his vet care.
Over the next 4 years, Prince thrived despite it all. Routine checkups. Pup cups after appointments. Family trips — even Las Vegas for his 7th birthday, complete with a professional photoshoot.
But after that, the slow decline began. His murmur reached stage 5–6. Water retention followed. Pee pads became our new flooring — and we didn’t mind. Prince was worth it all. My partner, my parents, even Prince’s grandparents chipped in to make sure he had what he needed.
The Night the Light Shifted
On July 3rd, 2024 at 12:07 AM, my sweet Prince gave his final breath.
That night broke me in a way I didn’t know was possible.
I prayed. I begged. I bartered with the Universe. I would’ve traded years of my life to bring him back. But just like fairytales… I closed my eyes, and nothing happened.
The next morning, I rose in white — to honor his life, his soul, his essence.
But a piece of mine had gone with him.
Healing Through Reflection
I spiraled. I lost weight. I disconnected. I slipped into Hermit Mode.
And yet… something deeper was happening beneath the grief.
Prince's passing wasn’t just an ending — it was a divine awakening.
His death forced me to look inward, to heal from years of layered trauma. I stopped performing, stopped people-pleasing, stopped entertaining chaos. I started remembering who I was.
Through this pain, I found community. I discovered grief coaches like @honoringouranimals and joined virtual memorials and support groups. I honored my boundaries. I found my strength again.
Legacy in Motion
By April 2025 — just days after what would have been Prince’s birthday — I hosted my first major event:
🐾 Paws, Love & Community Market: A Tribute to Prince
A healing pop-up. An Easter celebration. A community resource hub.
We provided:
- Low-cost spay/neuter info
- Microchipping
- Vaccination support
- Vouchers like the one that helped us
- Heart Murmur education
- Advocacy for adoption, not buying
This event… this impact… this love — it’s all because of my first rescue: Prince.
His Spirit Lives On
Prince isn’t gone. He’s just elevated.
His legacy breathes in my healing, in my writing, in Pawprints of Prince Co., and in every life I touch from here forward.
Prince didn’t just rescue us.
He rebirthed me.
Forever loved. Forever divine.
My soul pooch. My heart. My Prince.
Written & Inspired by: Kaee Sage West