Mark and listeners- This site has helped greatly this last week and a half. I am sharing this with all, as it makes the transtion just a bit easier to share…

This is an e-mail I sent out last week, January 15th.

Yesterday we received some bad news regarding our dog, Cedar. She has osteosarcoma, bone cancer. She is 8 1/2 which is getting on in years for a dog of her size. We figured that we would have maybe another year or two with her. This has come as a bit of a shock, but we have noticed her slowing down alot in the past year. Up until about a month and a half ago she was still going for walks, doggie day care and her favorite, the Dog Park!

We had noticed her having trouble getting into the car and not jumping on the bed (by invitation only) anymore. I began giving her glucosamine with MSM (anti-inflammatory supplements) which helped her immensely. Just after Xmas she began limping. She went onto rimadyl, an rx med prescribed by the vet. I thought it was helping her. This past Sunday we went on a short walk and when she got home she began limping even more. Thus, I took her to the vet the next day where I received the news.

Cedar has been a member of our family, as all with pets know. The ‘love’ and affection we have received from her has been so very special and rewarding. She ‘talks’ to us and unbelievably, we pretty well ‘understand’ what she is trying to convey. This has made life as dog owners very helpful. She lets us know when she wants out, wants to eat, undertands when we ask if she wants to go for a walk, ride to the dog park, Petsmart, go sit by Daddy and don’t prewash (the dishwasher).
She gives us ‘hugs’ when asked, can sit pretty, little speak and crawl.

I know we will be getting a new puppy very soon, as it is too hard not to have some furry affection around. It is amazing how we always feel the presence of another creature.

We have been very fortunate to have had three incredible dogs; Dutch, Stoli and Cedar. And soon a new one.

We will miss Cedar as her time draws near. The next few weeks will be a sad time and one of closure as we will continue to love and care for her and will get that back in return.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Cedar went peacefully this afternoon to that Big Dog Park in the sky….
We are all at a better place knowing that she is no longer in pain and does not have to suffer.

Coming home we were greeted by Aspen, little yaps and wagging tail, puppy kisses….

Thank you all for your, thoughts, prayers and support.

Dan, Lesli, Brandon and Briana from OR