Today was the day I had to let my Brittany, Zoe, go on without me. She had been getting weaker and less comfortable with each passing day and I decided she should be put to sleep when she was still having good days, before her entire world was filled with pain. Zoe was my first dog, and oldest friend. For fifteen years she was my companion and confidante. Although I was young, Zoe never chastised me like she could have. She always put up with my games with the greatest humor. Zoe was also forced to learn that chickens were to be treated nicely. She was not allowed to snap at them no matter how much they teased her. She babysat my rabbit when we had him loose in the front yard. She would never let him go beyond her leash radius. She helped me raise two orphan kittens. She even put up with our young Lab whose primary joy was to chew on her ears. Zoe taught me the greatest lessons concerning love, loyalty and responsibility.
My greatest comfort was that my vet came out to my home to help Zoe. She didn’t have to go into a vet office and be afraid. She died outside smelling the grasses with the wind and sun on her side. We should all be so fortunate.
Zoe was indestructible. Every time she would be knocked over or run into something she would just shake herself off and keep going. I don’t think she ever had a bad day. Even when she was in pain she would try to wag her tail or give a lick. She set a great example for how we all should live.
My thanks to all of you on the forum whose advice allowed me to give her a good last couple of months. If you want to see what she looked like, I gave her a MySpace page (since I have not yet gotten my own site up). <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=86772336
Leah

Leah,
My heart aches for your loss. One look into that face...wow. A spirit like that isn't going anywhere. It's just so hard to give up their physical presence.
Love to you both,
Anne

Leah, I'm so sorry. She was very beautiful, & it sounds like she was a wonderful friend. I too, think she is still with you & always will be. She is a very special dog.

leah,
I am sorry about your loss. i know how bad it hurts to lose such a close and dear friend. many people think dogs are here for us to train, i feel it is just the oposite. i believe that dogs are put here to teach us something. i think if we all look into our hearts, each and everyone one of us has learned something from our friends. if your girl taught you something and brought a smile to your face then she has done her job here on earth and has moved on to another place. it just sucks we cant stay with them. i am sure that she is in a better place and no matter what she will always be with you in some shape or form. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />