I knew for almost 15 years. You were quite a naughty little boy but you knew how far you could take it without getting in trouble. You rode with me in the SUV from FL to CA when we moved cross country. You pooped in every state along the way. That gave quite a few people a chuckle when we told that story.
You were always there for me and as I worked, you slept at my feet. After a while we ended up in NV and you loved to go up to the lake. The lake just will not be the same when you're not with me now.
I'm proud of you. When I went to bed last night you lumbered to your bed and you seemed just fine but when I woke up this morning you were not sleeping in your bed like you typically are. I found you in the bathroom, your eyes open and you were not breathing so well. You had such a sad look in your eyes that it broke my heart as you struggled with your shallow, labored breaths. I know you were hanging on to say good bye to me like the loyal dog you always were.
In no time at all we were at the vet. Your pulse was elevated but not out of the norm for a nervous dog. After all, this was as much a shock to you as it was to me. The vet did x-rays and your heart was enlarged with fluid around it. The vet did an ECG and your heart had no tissue damage but you were having trouble pumping blood out of your heart. The vet thought you'd be ok and gave me some meds for you take. I wish they'd worked.
We came home and I sat on the floor with you. The medecine did not seem to have had any effect on your breathing yet but I was hopeful it would. There we sat on the floor. Your head on my lap, you occassionaly looking up at me. I could tell this was going to be the worst day in a long time. You gave me one last look, scooted as close to me as you possibly could and passed away.
You were the one constant in my life the last 15 years and I thank you for that. I'll miss you each and everyday. Have fun up there. I look forward to the day we meet again!
