Our "puppy" Jake

Jake our Portuguese Water Dog died on Sunday. He brought a lot of love into our house, and it is hard to let him go. He was ten years old.

He was diagnosed with a large tumor about two weeks ago, and an ultrasound on Friday showed that it had spread and was inoperable. Although he had a few low days, in general his spirits were good. Just last weekend he had a good run off leash, and even Friday he was happy to see me when I picked him up from the vet. However he ate his last meal Friday afternoon and then failed fast. We told the boys on Saturday about his prognosis, and they were, and are, all very sad. Sunday it was clear to us that he was done, and Matt took him to the vet. We were lucky to have wonderful family and friends to provide one-on-one care for each of the boys during this time.

I want to thank all of you who helped us or provided a shoulder to cry on during the last two weeks. We are blessed with good friends and we were blessed with a good dog.

P.S. If you have a minute for a sad and humorous will and testament by a dog, you might enjoy this one written by Eugene O'Neill: http://www.longwharf.org/off_hughPlay2.html.