RIP, Lea...

RIP, Lea...  This morning Lea looked miserable, and had some worrisome symptoms, so we ran her to the veterinarian early this morning.  For some time now, we've been taking things day-by-day with her, managing the tension between not wanting her to be in pain or to be miserable, and the desire to keep her with us forever.  She's been a wonderful companion to us for 17 years.

After the vet (Dr. Andrea Russell) examined her, it was clear that poor Lea was in the process of dying, and there weren't going to be any more good moments for her.  Her oral tumor had increased in size significantly since just Friday, she had colitis (or something similar), her heart rate was very high, and she had a fever.  We asked Dr. Russell for forthright advice, and we got it – very much appreciated by us, as these decisions are always hard.  We decided that it was time to say goodbye to our girl.

The euthanasia process went smoothly.  We held her as she closed her eyes for the final time.

We've known this day wasn't too far away for the past year, but that still doesn't make it any easier.  Debbie and I are tearful, and I've got a lump in my throat that just won't go away.  It's awful losing someone you love, whether two-legged or four-legged...