[aprillovesherdogs]

Oh Laurie, I'm so glad that you have had all this extra time with Lucas. In my first post I mentioned that Matty went in for a repeat check when he started to limp in the front and back. He was in so much pain, but could still get around. I felt rushed into making a decision then and there because they said there was no hope. It has been almost 3 weeks since he passed and I've spent so much time trying to justify what I did. I have come to somewhat of a conclusion that what I did was right, because he would have been so shamed and depressed. The thought that ran through my mind was eventually seeing him trying to drag himself around in agony. I am finding relief in my decision because I spared him from pain. I am also thankful, even though I felt things went too fast, that I didn't have to rush to the vet in the middle of the night in an absolute panic. I was emotional and I'm sure he sensed it, but if it had been a critical emergency, my extreme distress would have made it a very "unpeaceful" end.

I hope this doesn't seem like another "two cents" being added, but your heart will ache more if you allow him to go on his own. Those poems were so true and heartfelt. I haven't cried for a few days so I needed them too.

Just keep treating him like a king. My Ansel (Gooby), who is almost 11, has benefited greatly from our loss of Matty. Everyday is "what Gooby wants, Gooby gets". He will get one doozy of a birthday party.

Take care and take care of yourself.