Saying goodbye

After a long 4 days of urinalysis, X-rays, and discussion, we decided to let Charlie go to sleep on Tuesday morning. They found a mass on his kidney, an irregularly shaped heart, and fluid in his lungs on X-ray. He stopped eating on Saturday, and even when we made food for him, he couldn't keep it down. His breathing became labored, and we were carrying him inside. It was, without a doubt, so sad to see him go. This was the first pet that I have ever really lost, and he and Peter had a very close bond. He almost made it to 11 years old, and we were so lucky to have him. While we waited with him at the vet, we talked about all of the good and happy memories that we had of him. He loved to play fetch with a ball, a stick, a twig, a splinter, anything he could find. He liked to make our neighbor play fetch with him. He loved sleeping on his back, especially in "the duck room" at our house. He had a hilarious bark/howl when he wanted our neighbor dogs to come out and play with him. He always chose which direction we would go on our walks, and he usually stopped to pee approximately 34 times on a walk. He was one of the only dogs my cousin Adam ever tolerated, and he was so good with him. He had almost no top teeth and looked like a hockey player. He had horrible horrible breath and could clear the room with his gas. He hated hugs, but he always looked so snuggly. He was a great dog, and we will miss him. Ella seems to still be searching for him, but they didn't interact a whole lot, so she seems to be doing fine. We're glad that he and Colin had the chance to interact finally.

And with a happier note, Colin wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!