I've posted before that we have a very old lab mix who has been in declining health. She's had a lot of ups and downs over the past ~9 months, and I though we were going to have to say goodbye to her multiple times, but she bounced back valiantly over and over again. Unfortunately today we came home to find her in very rough shape, and something told me that she probably wasn't going to bounce back this time.

About an hour ago, I came back in the room to where my wife was sitting with her, and I could tell that she was declining rapidly. I adjusted her position and tried to make her as comfortable as possible, and her tail suddenly sprang to life, even though she was otherwise unresponsive. I could tell we were likely very near the end. Just a few minutes later, she took her last breath as I hugged on her and told her how much we loved her. I think she saved that tail wag for me as her final goodbye. Once I was in the room, I think she felt like she had done her duty and finally succumbed.

We've known this was coming for a long time and I had said my goodbyes several times, only to be overjoyed when she bounced back. Part of me still expected that to happen again this time, so despite knowing at her age we could lose her at ant time, I'm still having a hard time believing she's gone. We've had her only a few weeks less than we've been married, and my daughter hasn't lived a day without the dog by her side. Tomorrow morning is going to be a sad, tough time in our household. Anyone who is so inclined, I'd appreciate your prayers...there's a 7 year-old little girl here who is going to have a heavy heart, and her daddy's going to hurt seeing her hurt.

I bid you farewell, Pippin...you were the sweetest, most patient dog I've ever known.
[Post edited by MP4VT2004 at 01/10/2020 08:14AM]