You died on a Saturday. You were 16 - very old for a doggie. Your health had slowly declined over the past year so I thought I was prepared, but letting you go was the hardest thing I have had to do in a very long time. I sat with you most of the day and stroked your head and your silken soft ears. I cried and told you how sad I was going to be without you in my life. You just laid there quietly, no doubt trying to hang on just a little longer.
The vet came to the house and sat and cried with us for a while too. The boys said "goodbye" and gave you one last kiss.
At the end of that very sad and difficult day, I was comforted by several things. First, I was happy that at least you passed surrounded by your family and in the comfort of your own backyard. Second, I know you had a long and happy life - you were well cared for and very loved. What else could a dog want? And lastly, I knew that you were going to a better place - a great big beautiful dog park in the sky where you won't hurt anymore and where you could play fetch without ever having to stop.
It will be a long time before this family will be able to open our hearts and home up to another pet, but when we do it will have some mighty big paws to fill.
Thanks for being such a great friend and pet - you will be in our hearts forever.
