My buddy made it to 2016

[Bakersdozen]

I had to take my little side kick, Trudy, to the emergency vet the evening of January 1.  Her time had come and she was in pain.  She had been declining since Christmas.  From my husband's description of her behavior, I think she had a seizure during the day while I was at work.  When I came home she was a different dog.
We don't know how old she really was, since we adopted her from a shelter.  She was at least 2-3 years old then.  Our vet's records went back 12 years.  Labor Day weekend she was very ill and spent the weekend at the vet's with an IV.  The vet thought she wouldn't last 2 days to 2 weeks.  She came home and recovered.  We spoiled her rotten.  She had a good and long life.

I am still turning around to see if she is following me.

[Riverrat]

Sorry for your loss.  Fur babies become a big part of our lives. 

[Perry]

I am sorry for your loss as well. They truly are a part of the family.

[apisbees]

So sad to hear this. take comfort in giving her 12 wonderful years of love and providing for her needs.

[Les]

I am so sorry, they do become such a part of our lives that it breaks your heart when you lose them.

[Jen]

Awe Baker... brings a tear. So glad your Trudy spent her best years with you. Take care of yourself now as well.

My Katy is about 12 years, she's showing signs as well. I don't like to think about it...

[neillsayers]

It is hard to lose our little friends. They are part of the family. Please accept my condolences.

[Bakersdozen]

Thank you all for the kind words.  Mankind and dog have co-existed for tens of thousands of years.  No other animal is so attuned to  it's owners gestures  and mannerisms.  No doubt, the strong desire to please originally worked the wolf's place from the cold next to the fire and then onto our couches.  It's no wonder we have such a strong bond with them.  I just wish they would live longer.

[riverbee]

"I am still turning around to see if she is following me."

my heart goes out to you bakers, it's a hard thing when we have to put our critters down, make the unselfish choice to let them go...........
in my house right now, no paws on the floor, i miss this, i miss them.  they can never be 'replaced'. in time, maybe another critter will fill your household with joy as trudy did.  it is a strong bond and a bond we don't forget, and very unconditional love from them! 

very sorry for your loss bakers!

[rwlaw]

My condolences Baker.
Our bond with dogs and dogs with us goes back to wolves being domesticated. I've lost pets big and small, it seems like dogs are the deepest cut.

[lazy shooter]

I am sorry for your loss.  It's hard to lose a loved one.  Decades back I always had a dog.  I only have one cat at this time, and she was inherited from a loved one, or I would still be without a pet. 

I love all animals, but in my old age, I don't want another dog because they are a problem when you travel and I don't want to go through the sadness that you now have.  But, I do admire all you dedicated animal lovers and caretakers. 

lazy

[Gypsi]

I know how hard it is to lose one. My condolences.