1993-2012

Best friend I have ever had.

18 years and stubborn... refused to go on her own.
Bedridden, could not walk at all, muscles atrophied... still ruled the roost.

My Heart Dog, I will love you forever and I thank you for allowing me to be your Person all these years.

Duchie was helped to the Rainbow Bridge by her boyfriend Dr. Brian, her mommy, Dr. Brian's wife Robin, Dr. Laura, Mommy's IRL BFF Amy, Brody the receptionist and her beloved daddy. (Who could NOT love Duchie, I mean really?) We had to go to the clinic because Brian was worried about not being able to find a vein, and he needed all his stuff and his people to make absolutely sure her crossing was a peaceful one.

All those people above? Cried like babies with me.

She was a Very. Good. Dog. and she and all the DLC dogs who have gone before are running and playing and frolicking as I type. I named off their names as the first shot took effect so she would know not to be afraid, that she was going to join Mommy's friends.

I did accidentally tell her to bite Alex Wonderdoggie on the butt. Hard.

Many thanks to each of you who have supported and loved me and us unconditionally. To those who said "follow your heart," to those who said "you'll know," to those who said "get your head out of your *** and put on your big girl panties and take care of your baby," to those who said simply "I'm, sorry, and I'm thinking of you..." Thank you.

You all helped me, and though the list above was long, I promise I felt each of you present right there, literally holding me up as I stroked that beloved ginger-colored head as she drifted off to a happier, healthier place.

To those who have called, texted, emailed, PMd, sent good thoughts and even our own wonderful, wonderful Yo who offered to come to Kentucky to be with me... all of your love and outpouring of goodness is a debt I can never repay.

She was just so tired. Her little body wore out, and her dementia and anxiety were making it a hard life to live. I could not allow her to go one more day scared, confused or (as of last night) in pain.

She went peacefully in my arms.... and I felt the weight of the world flutter off my shoulders on the wings of angel doggies as her spirit joined that of so many of our beloveds.

That is all.