The last day of our 14 year old, Andy's life, I painted several studies of him.
His bone tumor in his muzzle could not be removed again and affected his breathing.
He was stiff and his hind quarters collapsed while he walked unexpectedly. He struggled to get up one step back into the cabin.
His time with us was ending. The hard decision was made.
The Adirondack Vet was kind. Chuck, my husband, said we had to be brave for him during his last moments. We stroked Andy while she injected medicine into a catheter.
It was seconds after receiving the anesthetic that his heart stopped. He just rested while it happened.
I noticed how still and quiet it was. That's when I knew it was really over.
We cried in the car. I am so grateful for having this wonderful dog in our life.
I remember how cute he was when we picked him up at 7 weeks. We told our older Golden Retriever he was the Back Up dog. She accepted him and even let him take over her toys and tennis balls. She let him sleep with her. On her last day, we carried her out of the car to the park. So she could watch him retrieve her tennis ball. I took him once a week to Tulsa Dog Obedience School when he was 6 months old. We both enjoyed the training. He passed Novice level.
There are wonderful memories.
Why is it so hard to lose our dogs?
Chuck wrote a tribute to Andy Bear on Facebook on 081914
The photo of Jackson, a 6 month old neighbors puppy liked to great him enthusiastically.
Andy was a gentle soul.
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