Rest in peace dear doggy

(This is the only picture of Halley that I have at work - its on my MySpace, but its a good representation of her, eyeing the Christmas cookies!)

Saturday, September 6th 2008, my family had to put our family dog down to sleep. I got a call from my parents late in the evening on Friday, they thought she fell because she wasn't standing on her own anymore.

We had plans on going camping that weekend, my brothers and everyone else was already at the site, and we had plans on leaving that next morning. I didn't know what to do, should we drive down tonight to tell them? (there was no cell phone service) or should we stay here and be support for my parents? Should we go camping like originally planned?

I ended up leaving a message for the park ranger to tell our family that there was a "family emergency" and to call us as soon as they could. The ranger called me at 8am the next day and I got a call from my brothers in less than 30 minutes. They told me that we should still come camping - theres nothing else we can do at this point, shes lived a long life and if this is her time - then its time.

I contacted my parents, and they were planning on keeping her "around" until Monday so that the boys could say goodbye, I explained to my father that Halley is in so much pain, you have to bring her to the vet. He agreed, and scheduled an appointment for 11:40 that day.

They called me at 11:50 and told me that they agreed the best decision was to put her to sleep. Mike cried - and I tried to keep my composure. As of now, and now that I look back on the situation - I didn't really cry as I had expected I would, it hurt - don't get me wrong, but I know now that shes in no more pain and loving life in doggy heaven :)

I'm glad that we decided to go camping, it made the pain that much easier to deal with, and we all had dinner as a family on Sunday. My brothers are still upset, but i'm glad that we didn't wait it out, she was in so much pain, the vet said she was panting so hard because of the pain that she is in. Thats no way for a family pet to live, regardless of age or decisions that you have to make.

So, may our dear Halley rest in peace, she will always have a place in our hearts and I will never forget the wonderful years of unconditional love that she has given us.