A Year Without Bailey...

On August 10th, 2010 my family lost one of its best members. Our Bailey passed away. He has cancer and had been declining for a while, and after a few set backs, my family decided it would be most humane to let him go. We have some family friends who are vets and they agreed to come over and put him down at our house- we figured it would be less scary and more comfortable that way.
It was horrible. Saying goodbye and knowing that I wouldn't play with him in the yard, rub his belly, cuddle with him on the couch, or hear him grumbling in his sleep- that was hard. Sitting with him on the carpet in the living room and watching the vet put him down was hard. Seeing both of my parents cry hysterically when they loaded his lifeless body into the car was hard. The house never felt so quiet and empty.
I miss my Bay, and I think about him almost every day. But I'm glad he's no longer here and hurting. Sometimes you have to learn to let go, I guess!

“If it should be that I grow weak, and the pain should keep my from my sleep; then you must do what must be done, for this last battle can’t be won. You will be sad, I understand. But don’t let grief then stay your hand. For this day more than all the rest, your love for me must stand the test. We’ve had so many happy years, what is to come can hold no fears. You don’t want me to suffer so the tim...e has come, please let me go. Take me where my needs they’ll tend, but please stay with me ‘til the end, to hold me close and speak to me until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree, it was a kindness done for me. Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I am saved. Please do not grieve that it was you who had this painful thing to do. We’ve been so close, we two, through the years; don’t let your heart hold any tears."