This is tough.

              "You know how I'll miss you..."
                                         -Neil Finn






           There will be one fewer dog in the Dock pack this season.

           Inky is dying.

          And it's hard.

          It's hard to watch a faithful friend fade.

          It's hard to see her eyes so full of will, with a body that isn't able to carry on.

          It's hard to throw out another meal she is unable to eat..

          It's hard to feel her frail bones resting in my arms as I place her in the car she used to leap into.

          It's hard to bear her stoicism in the face of increasing indignity.

          It's hard to accept that it's time.

         Inky had been slowing down for months, but she has such heart and grit and determination that I kept hoping that her "good" days would continue.

         She hasn't had a good day in a while.

         SWMBO and I have been discussing the options, and I don't think the choices could be more stark.  Try to keep her comfortable, and let nature take it's course, or make the decision to end her pain?  Tears have been shed.  I don't think this decision could be any harder if she was human.

         Yeah, I know, some will say, "it's just a dog."

         But she's not just a dog.  She's Inky.

        She is the loyal friend who is always there to listen, who is always happy to see me when I come home, who is content to sit on the dock and watch the sunset and allow me to scratch her behind her ears. She is a keeper of secrets and a fine judge of character.  She is both steadfast and stubborn. Next to my wife, she is my oldest friend.

       And I will miss her.

       Sunday will be Inky's Perfect Day .  She'll get bacon and eggs for breakfast, a leisurely walk on the beach, a long car ride, a cheeseburger or two, and a clean cozy fluffy bed with her favourite blanket by a warm fire at home.

    And tears will be shed.


   Inky passed away on Monday evening.  On behalf of SWMBO and myself, thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.  Give someone you love a hug, and think of Ink.