I said goodbye to Missy this afternoon. Almost nine weeks after her cancer diagnosis her body was giving out on her even though she kept trying her best.

Since her diagnosis, she welcomed new lambs and a new baby nephew into the family - she was always facinated by babies and I was glad she was able to see one again. She would still catch a ball until a week ago and she still went with me to the barn to do chores most days.

She'd been slowing down over the past week and a half, but was still relaxed and able to get around, so I babied her, and worked to make things as easy as I could on her. Last night I let her out and she walked over to the car as usual so we could drive to the barn we did chores, but it was hard for her to get back in the car. This morning it took her forever to get up, but then she barked at my brother (as usual :grin and we went out to see the barn cats. Very slowing, but she made it on her own. Then early this afternoon she slipped on the floor and couldn't get up and growled when I tried to help her She was weak and hurting even through she kept trying. So I called the vet.

I was told to give her an extra dose of Tramadol to ease the pain before I took her in tonight. An hour later she was able to get up and we spent a couple good hours together. We went out the barn and found a cat, and then I just sat with her in the front yard with her head on my lap. A couple times I waffled on the decision, but she was oh so tired and the only was she was relaxed was with a large dose of pain meds. I made her a bed in the back of my car - which was a good place for her - then my grandparents drove us to the vet.

The vet came out to my car and I stroked her head and told her she was a good girl as she slipped away easily.

In these last couple of weeks Miss showed me once again the true meaning of work ethic and drive. She always kept trying her best even though her body was failing. She was the best four legged parnter and friend a person could ask for and came to me at a time in life when I really needed one. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do without her.

I'm so very sorry Mara. I am crying with you.

I'm sorry, Mara.

You were the best friend anyone could be.

These inspiring threads about how we say goodbye to our dearest friends and how we honor the blessing that they are .... these threads help hundreds and hundreds of people facing this goodbye.

You are an inspiration; you honored your beloved friend in the kindest way possible.

Mara,
I wish I could come up with some fabulous dialogue to ease your pain but I don't think there is anything I can do but offer my condolences and acknowledge what a remarkable partner you had in Missy and she in you. Big, huge hugs! I am so sorry for your loss.

Very sorry, Mara.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

You are an inspiration; you honored your beloved friend in the kindest way possible.

This says it all, I think.

Thank you for sharing Missy's final weeks with us...

So sorry. I think Connie summed it up perfectly. My thoughts are with you as you enter into these coming days. Thank you for letting me and others read about your journey together. It will help many who will face the same situation down the road. Praying for happier memories until you meet again..

I'm so very sorry, Mara. She was such a lucky dog to have been loved by you. I know she took a big part of your heart with her when she left.

Mara:
Thank you for having the courage and the love of Missy to do what was best for the dog and worst for you.

As Jager's chin grays and he shows signs of aging I'm reminded that his days as my service dog are numbered. I get misty eyed just dealing with the concept; I hope I'll have the courage you showed. God bless you for you action today.

I am very sorry for your loss, Mara.