All good dogs...

I had to put down my sweet puppy girl Mika this morning. She was fine yesterday, then developed bloat and a twisted stomach overnight, so we figured that surgery would be crueler than just letting her go.

I am beyond lucky to have had Mika's company for more than 13 years. She came to us from the Humane Society a scared, underweight, skittish mutt, who needed lots of affection and reassurance that she was in her forever home with people who loved and treasured her. We don't know her exact age; the vet thought she was between 1-2 years when we got her. So for either side of her likely breed mix of Golden Retriever/Husky, she had a long life.

I knew this day was coming. She's been in decline for a couple of years now, what with most of her senses being dulled and moving slower and slower. But she still loved going on walks, and with the medicine I got for her last week, she seemed to be perking up from her back pain and leg weakness. I can only grasp at the notion that it was her time, and be grateful that I didn't have to watch her slip further away until my decision had to come on a slippery slope.

I already miss her so much. It's going to be really hard to get used to her being gone. I have to believe that she's already romping merrily in Dog Heaven, where she gets to chase all the squirrels and rabbits, while reigning as alpha dog of the pack.

( My pumpkin butter dog )

Goodbye, my sweetest, best puppy girl. You were such a good dog.