If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness. - Marjorie Garber

On Friday we had to put our St. Bernard, Raider, to sleep.  That moment in the vet's office, when she told us with tears in her eyes that it was time, it was the most difficult decision that I have ever made.

Raider and Porter- Friends Forver

"If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
   and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
   for we know 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 the rest,
   your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
   what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
   when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
   only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
   until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
   although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
   who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
   Don't let your heart hold any tears." (- Author Unknown)



To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice, though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked, I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those who knew him well, he was a perfect gentleman. - Hermione Gingold

You filled our lives with so much joy and laughter. 
We were lucky to be your family.
You are missed, friend.
We love you so.

"If there is a heaven, it's certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them." -  Pam Brown