Toughest Day

I think I can safely say this has been one of the toughest days I have ever experienced.  Today was the day we had to have our beloved Abby put to sleep.  She was the best dog I have ever known and I miss her so much already.  She herded the kids when they were young and spent 13 years looking after all of us.  When it became painful for her to get up the stairs where she has slept next to my bed ever since we brought her home from the pound, I knew we didn't have much time left.  I even spent a few nights, when she was really bad, sleeping on the couch downstairs beside her.  But lately she could hardly stand up, and stumbled over the doorjam to painfully relieve herself outside.  So before my departure for Seattle we saw her to her next life.  She would have been lonely and in pain had I waited any longer and maybe even left this world without my being able to say goodbye.  So farewell, Abby.  I miss you and love you.  And I do believe that all dogs go to Heaven.