Today I had to say good bye to Katie, my beloved happy go lucky grinning Old English Sheepdog. She was 14 ½ and life was becoming too difficult. She really would have stayed forever, but today when she fell over going to the bathroom, she nudged me indicating that the time had come. She had lost most of her sight and it was becoming apparent that she was in pain as she hesitated going down a step or a ramp for fear of falling or potential pain in doing so. She had started to decline slowly about a year ago, but had gone down hill dramatically over the last two weeks.

Two and a half years ago I saved Katie from the bloat. I will never forget the happiness as we both cried when I picked her up from the vet. However, this time I could not save her or continue her life and it is truly heartbreaking. For those who have loved and cherished a pet and were eventually forced into make this wrenching decision you know exactly how painful it is. For a time I will be devastated as will be my other two Old English Charlotte and Abby who idolized their mentor and leader. On this final day she gave them both a quick thank you lick on the face. They have watched her decline and my efforts in carrying and helping her and I think realized that her end was coming. Nevertheless, I know they will miss her and be looking for her.

I will be forever grateful to Belinda Lamm and Tarheel Rescue who I adopted Katie from back in 2009.I am so fortunate to have had my life enriched for 13 years. The years went by so fast, but the many wonderful memories with Katie will stay with me until I too leave this life. Thank you Katie for being such a wonderful devoted champion for so many years. I hope that you are reunited with Sabrina, your best buddy who went to the rainbow bridge in 2015. I know you always missed her. Be happy again, my sweet angel.