Many thanx for the kind words everybody. Chance is literally the first pet that I've ever lost this way. In the past, I've always been able to prepare myself for having to put one down. It would still hurt, but would be lessened somewhat due to the circumstances for having to do that deed.

Thrillbilly, that essay was indeed a wonderful thing to read. I can only wish that I could put words together that way, as what I did write definitely did not do Chance justice. My mind is still a jumble trying to get yesterday sorted out.

All I can say right now is this, I HATE this year, and I cannot wait for it to be over. It started out bad, and bad things just kept piling on all year. I'm hoping and praying that nothing else bad happens. I don't know if I can take much more.