I lost my number one, Tuvok, about 6 or 8 weeks ago, tore my heart out.
http://www.knudsons.com/images/tuvokandfrizzee.jpg
He was 11, pretty old for a big pure breed.
He had been going downhill rather quickly this last year.
Getting around was getting more and more difficult, but he still tried to play right to the end.
We think he had a major stroke on Tuesday and pretty much stopped eating, very very unusual for him.
We stayed home on that Friday night and watched movies, had a fire (he always loved fires) and I stayed with him on the floor for the most part.
I put him to bed late that night, he had an old loveseat that was his bed, I had to help him up into it. He probably could have made it on his own but I helped him.
I gave him a big hug and kiss and told him if it was time to go, go.
When the other guy, Winston, woke us about 5:00 am Tuvie was gone, he hadn't really moved.
He went peacefully in his sleep.
May we all have such a peacefull end.
Sorry for the tear jerker.
The thing to remember is he had a wonderful life, the love he gave was enormous.
He lived hard and played hard.
He was treated with love and given everything anyone could want. OK he would have loved more food, but we had to keep him on something of a diet.
Remember the good times, the love, the fun and that you gave them a comfortable life. More comfortable than most children get, much less other dogs.
And the LOVE they return.