Saying good bye to an old friend...

We've reached a point in time that I thought would never come. After 15 wonderful years, sadly Billy is no longer with us. Over the last few days, his health and well-being deteriorated considerably and got to the point today where we knew that his time had come.


A few weeks ago we noticed that Billy had a number of lumps in his throat and, after investigation, the vet determined that his kidneys and liver were failing. He also suspected cancer of the lymph system. We knew at that point that we didn't have long with our old friend.

During the last few weeks we've tried to make him as happy and comfortable as we could, not to mention spoiling him rotten with cuddles, kisses, and LOTS of treats.

As I sit here typing this entry, I truly cannot believe that he's gone, and that he won't be plodding into my office to sit down on his mat next to my desk, won't come over to me in the living room and sit on my feet to "join" in the conversation, won't snuggle into me on the sofa, won't come for long walks in the woods, won't give me "kisses" on the nose when I'm sad... like right now when I could use it the most.

Never in my life have a known a dog like Billy, and I know I never will again.
Billy, my old pal, you are going to be truly missed.