The Last Post

On Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 at 6pm, I had to put Andy to sleep. I had a very hard time with the decision, but I know he was hurting and struggling for precious air. His cancer had within a week spread to most of his lungs. My girlfriend Effie was with us. We were referred to a wonderful compassionate DVM who came to the house and allowed Andy to die in my arms in our own home.

I am not ashamed to admit that he slept with me on the bed often. I fell asleep many nights with an arm over him and my nose buried in his neck. He was my best friend for seven years and he had a great life. He made my life bearable in times that I was at zero. He licked the tears from my face and never asked for anything in return. When times were good, he made them even better. Every time I walked in the door, even if I just went outside to take the trash out, he would smile uncontrollably with his face in full wrinkly snarl. He never bit a soul, and I believe he wasn't capable of it. As a guard dog, he was incredible...if the intruder was a dog! I always said that if anyone ever broke in, they had better not bring their dog with them :).

Those of you who knew Andy can attest that he was the the meanest looking total sweetheart you've ever met. He was the kind of dog that close friends would say 'later' to me and hug and kiss him for 10 minutes before leaving. Many people actually told me they were going to steal him when I was on one of my business trips. They were kidding of course, but I always knew that if something happened to me, he would have his choice of about 1000 loving homes.

In October I was laid off from my job, and while It was scary at first, I believe it happened so I could be around almost 24/7. I'm thankful that I was able to spend so much time around him.

On a recent trip to California, I met some great people who had sweet Dobermans and some who have passed. They gave me a poem that was given to them by their vet and it provides me some solace. I'll leave you with that poem and maybe it will comfort you if you ever have to part with your friend:

RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Lastly, I would like to share the pictures of Andy over the years:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/reignition/sets/72157600065097913/detail/

Final Days

I know I have been slacking on this blog. I unfortunately have to report that Andy is at the point where his quality of life is well below what we feel he should have to endure. He recently had some heart trouble and is now struggling to breathe, indicating that the cancer has spread to his lungs. This is the hardest decision I have ever made, and I can't even say I'm 100% certain I will go through with it.

A very nice Dr. Lee is coming to the house tomorrow to have a look, but she has told me that given my description of his status, he is probably ready to go and will do it at home. I will let you know more tomorrow.

Suffice it to say that I am heartbroken, and NO amount of preparation can prepare anyone for this.