Need some hugs...lost my dog tonight

It's so sad to see one of our fur buddies in pain.

It's strange.....I've lost people I cared about, but there was time to prepare for it, and they had suffered so long with extended illnesses. I didn't have a clue there was anything wrong with her, other than a bit of indigestion, before today. Much harder this way, though at least she didn't suffer very long.

What happened to your best friend(s)?

she had a stroke. She was different but happy and pain-free until the 5th and she had another 'neurological episode' and all that was left was her body. He was also very old, a former athlete who's old injuries had come to bother him more and more in the last year or two. Then he got cancer.

We're still crying.

I am so sorry for your double loss; hope you can find some new dogs to share your love with when you are ready.

It's an unbearable pain. I'm so sorry, Egalitarian.

Crappy week for us, eh?

My heart goes out to Libertyville, Egalitarian Thug and pacalo. I cannot imagine not waking up to my Baby Girl's beautiful face every morning.








My "Baby Girl"


May your tears soften your sorrows.

It gives some comfort.

Baby Girl is precious.

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson

I will try to do just that.

they take pieces of our hearts with them .....my grandma called it "the price of love"

This pain is awful, but you earned it through your devotion to each other.

She lived loved. She died knowing she was safely in your care and your heart.

I lost my sweet dog Angelina only a few weeks after joining here. I loved her so much I named my username lovemydog, and that was before I knew anything was wrong with her. Her illness and death came so suddenly. It was cancer of the stomach. It still makes my cry thinking how much I loved her. I always thought I'd get another dog right away. But you never know until something happens. As it turns out, I haven't wanted another dog. I've taken refuge though, volunteering at a horse shelter. And I visit friends with dogs. You have my deepest sympathies. From what I can tell, you gave Penny a wonderful life. And she gave her loyalty and love to you as well. That's pretty darn great.

Out of the blue is so hard. I've lost 2 dogs out of the blue (one was also named Penny - such a sweet name for a dog) and it's so hard to be blindsided like that - especially when you take them in hoping to help them and go home without them. It will be a rough go for awhile. I'll be thinking of you and your Penny. Huge hugs.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Sudden and unexpected like that is such a terrible shock.

All of us who have been through this with beloved pets can certainly empathize, and I share your tears.

My last one was a little Spitz named Charlie that I got in the fifth grade. When he died my sophomore year of college, my mother called me so hysterical, I thought one of her sisters had died. I wound up crying just as hard.

Dogs are so wonderful, aren't they? I am so sorry to hear of your dog's passing but hopefully she is no longer in so much pain.

We found out our black lab, "Blackie," (named by my parents, who aren't very creative, don't know how I ended up to be a "creative" had liver cancer a couple of years ago. She'd gotten skinny, except had a very large midsection.

I went and bought her a big steak, which she loved, then took her to the vet for the injection. She looked me in the eyes, in panic, then her eyes lost their sparkle, almost immediately, as she died from the chemical injection.

I cried, not expecting to feel much emotion till it hit me, and I cried. The vet left us alone for a few minutes.

She was definitely not very bright, at all, but knew when to jump up and run when I said, "What are you doing?" She knew there was an adventure, a trip to the mailbox, or at least a ride in the car, coming up.

The experience changed me, and, I imagine, you, as well.

The only comfort was that Penny was calm and didn't seem afraid, almost as if she knew it was time and was ready. I cradled her head in my lap. They gave the whole family some time alone with her first. My son reached in his pocket and pulled out some strawberries- her favorite thing she would also sneak out from our garden. She just looked at him with sad eyes, and didn't eat them. We knew then that she was ready to die. She went very peacefully, just closed her eyes, and it was all over in a couple of minutes after they gave her the injections.

But I miss her so much - and even my old cat, who always aggravated the dog, seems to miss her too. The cat is 17 and sleeps on my desk all day. Today she has been up and around, pacing the whole place, climbing on everything, clearly looking for the dog.

God this is so hard.

I lost my arab, Algiers, last February 9. He had been sick for 5 weeks, on a roller coaster but trending down. He knew...they know. He was ready to leave. He spent his last 5 days standing on his burial sites while I made arrangements. The site changed 3 times as I talked to excavators, and each time the site changed, he moved to the new site. He was telling me it was time and it was ok.

I'll never forget how he looked at me that last time. Eyes bright with love, forgiveness, and gratitude.

I love my boy and miss him so much. I rescued him over 22 years ago.

I kept a shank of tail and a patch of fur from his winter blanket. I've braided the tail into a dream catcher.

I lost my little guy Dandy a year and a half ago, he had cancer too. I still miss him and tear up when I think about him.

I've been down that road as well and it's NEVER easy. The first time I had to put one of my cats down I cried for two weeks.

&feature=related

Take some solace for for knowing you did the right thing. As hard as that was to do.



Don

I still talk to my beloved St. Bernard., though he passed on twenty years ago-- and it helps.

I am so glad that she had such a caring owner as you in this world. It's in the contract that we will probably outlive them.

The only consolation I've ever been able to muster in my dog's passing was that if I had gone first my dog might have thought I abandoned him - and I can't abide that thought.


My thoughts are with you in this time of pain.


“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
― Will Rogers

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

_________________________

I am glad she had you, and you her. Know the loss will ease, and the good times will stay in your heart.

I lost my beloved 12-year-old Boston Terrier, Gizmo, too, just one week ago. His stomach had gotten huge in just a few days; we thought he might have peritonitis. My husband brought him to the vet & we learned that he had a huge tumor the size of a football, plus an enlarged heart. Both were putting pressure on his larynx.

I know how hard it was to put Penny to sleep; it's gut-wrenching. What gives me comfort is knowing that if we had prolonged Gizmo's life, he would have been in greater pain as time went on; his stomach area seemed to be growing larger by the day. But the most comforting thought I have is the fact that Gizmo had a great life & he knew how much he was loved -- as was the case with Penny.

Gizmo is irreplaceable, but I'm getting another Boston Terrier next weekend. I believe that's the only thing that will help me come to terms with losing Gizmo. I need another little "toddler" in my life.

I'm so sorry for your pain, Liberty. I wish we could hug each other in real life right now. I know how devastated you're feeling.

hug:

Getting a new pet will truly help. I've lost several cats through the years, and with one of them we got a replacement right away, just days later, rather by accident. Turned out to be a wise decision - having that bundle of kitten joy brought laughs and smiles, and helped put the loss in perspective - one life ends, another begins - and the cycle goes on.

I do want to get another dog soon, but have to pay off the vet bills first....amazing how expensive it is for the end of life care.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been there and know how your heart is breaking.

I was crying just reading your post. Dogs are the most amazing creatures we share our lives with.

Lost my sweetie girl (cat) last year around this time. It's tough for a while, then things get better, in a way.

Of course, posts like this away bring it up again, but it doesn't hurt as much as before.

At least I'm not crying. Hadn't cried so hard since my dog died.

After all our dogs, cats and birds, I can remember each and every one and can now look at their pictures and remember only the good things. They are such a big part of our daily lives. It will take some time to pass for you to feel whole again, but then you will be open to love another, waiting at your nearest shelter for your touch. Bless your heart and your Penny.

Be very proud of that.

I had to put down one of my kitties a month ago...she was almost 17...and it's never easy to lose a friend.

The down-side of being human is we only get to have our dogs for a short while. I'm so sorry for your pain; I do understand it.

<a href="http://imgur.com/qxqH4"><img src="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" alt="" /></a>

Penny was a golden, though her coat was red like an Irish setter. I really want another one.

I've had black and yellow labs - great dogs, as are golden retrievers.

I too will cry some tears for you. But she is still there, in your heart. Hugs!!

Dogs give us unconditional love. I'm sure your fur-baby gave you the best 9 years of their life.

We have lost 2 of our beloved Jack Russell Terriers two weeks apart. One was very sudden. I hope the wonderful memories you have of your dear Penny bring you peace.

My heart is with you. I lost my boy, Parker, a year ago in May. It's unbelievable how much they become a part of your life.

named Penny, Penny Lane to be exact. She was a beautiful, well-behaved, gentle Sheltie who was 14 when she died. I mourn her to this day. I remember walking her and our other Sheltie from the rescue organization down Clark St. in Chicago. Both so well trained that they were safe to walk in all that noise and confusion and many cross streets. You have fond memories too and those will see you through.

That's why our daughter chose this name.

as a pup especially she shown in the sun like newly minted pennies.
She was the 2nd of 3 Shelties we had. "Mac" (MacTavish) 30 years ago, and Princess the rescue dog who lived with Penny and emigrated with us from Illinois to Texas. All three were brown shades and white.

I kept that up on my bulletin board after I lost my black cocker spaniel, Buddy. I was inconsolable. It was like my heart had been ripped out or literally broken in two.

The Rainbow Bridge poem was such comfort to me, too. I mean, why not? Why could there not be a Rainbow Bridge? Where I will join with all my little furry friends again?

I am so sorry for your loss. Your doggie was very lucky to have you, and you gave him a very good life. It is a cruel thing that one thing about pets is that they will usually go before we do.

Here's a pet loss site. I found it helpful to access some pet loss sites for a short time a few years ago.

http://www.petloss.com/

(if you allow the add-on, it just plays a song)

Beau"
by Jimmy Stewart
He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it,
But mostly he didn't come at all.
When he was young
He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay,
He did things his way.

Discipline was not his bag
But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.

He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.

He set the house on fire
But the story's long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived
And the house survived as well.

On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear
Because our bones were sore.

He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks
And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there
And would follow him where he was bound.

We are early-to-bedders at our house--
I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me
And get up from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,
And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose
And I'd fish it out with a smile.

And before very long
He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner
In no time at all.

And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel this stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
and I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

Thanks for sharing...and oh, how I can relate to those last parts of it. Miriam

It is very hard to have to say goodbye to a friend like that. I still miss my furry kids. It's one of the hardest decisions to have to make even though you know it is the only thing you can do. I wish there were something that could be said to make you feel better right now, but the only thing you can do is to let time do it's thing. It will never go away completely, but in time you will be able to smile more about the memories than cry. (((hugs)))

My wife and I will be parted from our beloved yellow lab Hunny before too long. This beautiful member of our family has traveled with us on our vacations and hiked in many states, but she has slowed down considerably and is beginning to have trouble getting up off the floor at age 15 years, 7 months.

My heart goes out to you.

The Eulogy to the Dog by George Graham Vest:

The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter whom he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with out happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies from him perhaps when he needs it most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog.

Gentlemen of the jury, a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.

When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad but open, in alert watchfulness, faithful and true, even unto death.

George Graham Vest served in the United States Senate for twenty-four years, from 1879 to 1903, but the act for which he is best remembered is a speech delivered in an insignificant court case while he was still a lawyer in rural Missouri.

http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Speeches_Vest_Dog.htm

I know what you're going through..and it hurts so much. Animals bring such joy and love to our lives.

and my three pups send snuggles and kisses to you. I've had to do this three times in ten years and it never gets easier.
It's so hard with pets, because you can't explain to them what's going on.
Sending you peace and comfort in this terrible time.

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

but remember, you gave Penny a loving, caring home the entire time she was with you.

She loved you in return; that's what it's all about

well done!

You gave Penny an excellent life and were a good friend to her.

Penny had a better life than more than half the people on this planet.

You did a marvelous job in showing her the beauty of this world and then holding the door open as she exited to the green fields on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

You are obviously much richer for having had her in your life. And she was obviously well loved.

I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs and encouragement!

Julie

It's so devastating to lose a good friend, especially the four-legged kind. It takes me a long time to get back on an even keel after one of my cats die, they're like my children.

The following was forwarded to me by one of my husband's relatives in England:

"We don't know who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month.
The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.
She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her.
I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven.
I miss her very much. I 'm happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls.
I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog.
I really miss her.
Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey & Meredith , addressed it to God/Heaven.
We put our return address on it.
Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office.
A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet.
I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand.
Meredith opened it.
Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.'
Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.
On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognized her right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore.
Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog.
Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in so I'm sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me.
What a wonderful mother you have.
I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find.
I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God

Don't say you're too busy to forward this. Just go ahead and do it."

nice to know there are such good people in the world.

Losing a beloved dog IS hard. It hurts. But try to remember how much you loved her, and she you, and all the good times you shared.



I wish I knew what more to say.

I don't care how much it is the right thing to do - having to put down your beloved friend is so very difficult. I had to make that decision over 3 weeks ago. My Chow Jasmine had been with me for over 14 years. She, too, had cancer, and it had metastasized to her lungs. Surprisingly, that night I started having terrible anxiety attacks until I got some sleeping meds from the doctor, but found out this is common. I'm still taking Valerian to help with sleep and trying not to think of her so much until the unbearable pain in my heart subsides. It's really hard because your dog was there at your feet, and at the door to welcome you whenever you'd return. They seem to be there, right in the middle of gatherings, or laying at the foot of the bed when you sleep at night. Just know you're not alone, you did the right thing, that she had a wonderful life loving and being loved by you. She isn't suffering any longer.

Jasmine must've been a wonderful companion.

Penny slept by my bed, and woke me up each morning. I work from a home office, so each day she'd curl up by my feet. Everytime the doorbell rings I still expect to hear her bark....and at night when it's her walk time, we miss her most of all.

. . . it takes time, but it gets better, Liberty Belle.

Your rainbow bridge is a new puppy to keep you busy

I know the grief you go thru. Last year suddenly my 13 yo beagle became listless on a Saturday night, you know when something is wrong. I took him to an emergency vet, he had a distended stomach. They operated early Sunday morning, he was filled with cancer, he had no signs before that Saturday. He just stopped breathing, I gave perm. to resuscitate, but it was no use. There is no "good" way for them to die. It still hurts. But the memories of him are a comfort. As it will for you soon. It just hurts so much. Grieve now, cry, scream, but it will get better.

You did the right, caring thing.

Losing a beloved pet is really tough.

So sorry you lost your friend. I don't know of any unconditional love that matches that of dogs.

for the loss of your beloved Penny. Wish I had some better words of comfort but it sounds like you took great care of her and you were both enriched by the relationship and now you have your memories to comfort you. I'm sure you'll see her again some day. (((HUGS)))

you lost sweet Penny. Hugs....


Tikki

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break.”

William Shakespeare

ever lost a beloved dog or cat.

include us bird owners, or is it the other way around, they own us

Hers owns her for sure. Runs the whole house.

I've cried longer and more bitterly when my pets have died than for some people. Nobody "knows" and loves you like a cat or a dog.

I hope you will have beautiful memories.

Me and the S.O. are total dog people, and dogs love us (except for one I met a couple of months ago... what a freak). The little guy across the hall, several others in our building and many more we know out in the country seem to want to eat us - they revert to puppy chewing when we're with them.

I have many more dog friends than people friends, and that's not just because almost everyone I know keeps more than one, it's because I can't relate to anyone who doesn't have a dog - or five.

People who can't relate to dogs just aren't right.

They are family, for those of us who get it.

I am dreading the day when I have to do the same. My little mixed breed is 11 now, had a benign tumor removed. I feel another one now. She has had an ultrasound and is good on the inside. I'm trying to make the most of every day with her, because you just never know...

I'm so sorry Liberty Belle. Its so hard to say goodbye to our four legged family members.

A dog can be such a wonderful companion.

I'm going to give my pal an extra hug tonight...

So sorry for your loss of your wonderful companion. It's always hard.

Many hugs from me

I know how hard it is

It really helped take a load off my shoulders.

I know you are hurting right now but it will get better. Try and think of the good times and you will get through it. I will send good thoughts your way, hang in there.

Liberty Belle,

I am giving you the strongest and warmest online hug possible! Penny knows that you loved her!! Dogs are a gift to our lives and Penny sounded like such a sweet and gentle soul. I wish you peace and love in this heartbreaking time.

I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. She is free from her suffering.

where she will be welcomed with many howls. She will be safe and happy there until it's time to find you again.

been there too, it is so hard.

I fully understand the pain of losing a pet. I have cried for more than one dog and cat in my lifetime.

A big hug for you.

I'm so sorry.

I know what it is to lose a family dog. Don't worry, in a while the happy memories will push out the sadness. You'll still cry, but it will get better.

It's no easier when it's expected, either. I have been through it both ways, and they both suck.

My dog nephew died cancer that metastasized to every organ, too. They didn't know about it until he was near his end, as he hid the pain really well. He was a good dog.

....that's the best you or she could hope for.

I'm so sorry Ms. Belle. Big to you!

Dogs are good for the us. They are man's best friend. I have a dog who I couldn't live without.

I have read all these notes
and am sitting here crying
remembering all my "kids"
I hope that you find peace
knowing you did what you had
to do ....
I am not sure what I will
do when my "shelly" goes ...
I can say I have been blest
in that all my girls have died of
old age and not cancer or something else ...
I am going to get mugged at the rainbow
bridge and looking forward to it ...
may you find peace ...

Sorry.

This is a site you might find helpful at this particularly terrible time. Unfortunately, I too, am all to familiar with it lately http://forums.rainbowsbridge.com/?forum=150830

GL2U

You do know that Penny is not hurting any more and that is a good thing.
Your post brings back powerful memories as we held Rusty as he was put down due to tumors.

The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master.

Ben Hur Lampman

I'm sending you love and a lots of hugs!!

Making that hard decision to put a pet down is heart breaking especially when you know that nothing you could do would keep that pet alive.

Hugs to you and hope that Penny has crossed the rainbow bridge into the doggy world. Sometimes it is so hard to articulate our sympathy.

Best regards

I'm sure Penny had a great life with you and loved being your dog.

Condolences to you and yours.

I've put a family dog down once. Its heart breaking. The best remedy is going out and getting another dog. Perhaps a rescue?

nr

I would encourage you as soon as you are able, and maybe even a bit before you think you are able, to get to your nearest shelter and let a dog that needs a home pick you.

It will help.

you are in. Such a gentle creature and the truest definition of unconditional love. {{hugs}}.

Yes, to everything you said about dogs. I am so sorry you lost your precious Penny. It sounds like she was your heart-dog, as my Layla is to me. The pain is unimaginable. Please be strong and know that your love for her can do amazing things for another precious one out there at a time when you are ready. The love you have for her can offer kindness for every precious dog you encounter until another curls up in your heart, secure for another many years.

I am certain that the relationship between human and dog companions is beyond just wonderful. You have known this for 9 years, I didn't find out until 2 years ago. You know something very beautiful in this world.

Make it through the next few weeks however you can. The joy you shared will outlast the pain.

and made that hard journey at her side. Bless you. And her.