Thanks, I appreciate the kind thoughts.
My vet encloses a poem in every sympathy card (every pet death they are aware of gets one from the clinic). They used to use The Rainbow Bridge... they put "The Last Battle" in my card for Buford.
*Kleenex Alert*
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The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close,we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown
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On a MUCH brighter note, Rio didn't have to have his surgery!! The ortho surgeon was kind of puzzled - all swelling, pockets of fluid, indications of arthritis (which weren't severe) etc are gone. He still does a little favoring of that leg, but not nearly enough for the surgeon to want to cut him open and do a major surgery. So, he is here sleeping at my feet - comfortable and content.
It's a hard thing to lose such a good friend and companion.
