The End of an Era -- Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you're familiar with my dog Brio. He's been a faithful companion, a cheerful and loving presence, in our lives for 13 1/2 years. Recently his health started to decline, especially the last two weeks, and today he wasn't able to eat or drink at all. He was trembling and wobbly and in obvious distress.

I phoned our lovely vet (also a family friend and fellow bagpiper) at home, and she very kindly met us at the closed clinic (on the Sunday of a long weekend). Brio was in full heart failure, and the end was inevitable, so we asked her to help him go. It was very gentle and quick, and I held him in my arms as it happened. Stroking that soft little heart-shaped spot on his head. Whispering praise and reassurance in his ear. Feeling his panting and trembling ease and his head grow heavy in my palm. A quiet release from suffering, and now I've lost two best friends in the past year.

Thank you, Brio, for your steady devotion and the joy you have brought my family. I'm sure Sheri will happily take care of you on the other side until I join you.