Friday, October 28, 2005

 

Arthur passed away peacefully and quietly at 10:15 this morning.

 

I was holding him when he took his last breath; and, I stayed with him for about a half hour after he was gone.  I am so grateful to the staff at the hospital who were kind; and, they made great efforts to insure he was comfortable and not afraid.

 

Before we went to the vet, we took a ride with the top down - and stopped at McDonald's.  That was his very first meal with me 13 years ago -- and it was his last today.

 

He had not been Arthur for a very long time - probably almost the last four years.  I tried for a very long time to rationalize that he was still content, although on a different level.  But, he was just existing.  Being Arthur, he never ever complained - so it was hard to know just how bad he felt.  I loved him too much to continue to force him to stay here with me.

 

Arthur was my heart and soul.  We had thirteen years together.  During that time, he made it through two cross-country moves, major back surgery and paralysis, and arthritis; and, he helped me through countless heartbreaks, as well as happy times.  He had a good, long life; and, he was loved by alot of people.  More importantly, he loved those he knew unconditionally. Of course, I think he loved pizza the most.  Now he can run, jump and play - and eat all he wants.

 

Thirteen years wasn't enough.  My heart is breaking - I miss him terribly already.