Kelsea Ballerini and her boyfriend, actor and “dog dad” Chase Stokes, are doing their best to prioritize family time after her dog Dibs’ diagnosis of inoperable heart cancer.

In a recent interview, Stokes told People that the couple are finding time to “be as a unit as much as humanly possible,” despite busy schedules and the upcoming release of Ballerini’s Patterns album late next month.

“We’re just taking it day by day right now,” Stokes explains. “I mean, it’s one of those things that when it happens as fast as it does, you just try to do the next right thing.”

Ballerini, who adopted Dibs about nine years ago, first shared the news of his health battle on social media in late August. At that time, she said that they were starting him on “the ‘big’ meds” to ensure he “can have as many happy days (weeks, months) left as possible.”

The singer also acknowledged Dibs’ extensive support system, including fans who sent prayers and good thoughts his way, as well as her mom and Stokes. “Chase is the greatest dog dad in the world. He is getting extra cuddles and kibbles from his little family,” she added.

Ballerini has also been incorporating Dibs into her career plans as much as possible. When she announced her upcoming album release show at New York, N.Y.’s Madison Square Garden, she enlisted Dibs to co-star in the announcement video, which was filmed just a few weeks before the dog’s diagnosis.

Patterns is due out on Oct. 25.