The 1st week was spent trying up loose ends with getting house ready to close up for the summer and changing all the vehicle registrations. Couldn't change drivers licenses because in spite of having enhanced licenses in NC, they wanted Passport or Passport Card, Certified Birth Certificate and Social Security Card. None of which we had with us
By the end of the 2nd week we had to make the gut wrenching and heartbreaking decision to let Tucson go. It was difficult watching him deteriorate so rapidly physically while his heart and soul were still there. It became harder for him to walk, then get up and lie back down. One evening I looked over and he was trying to get up with his tennis ball on his mouth. I hurried over and told him to lie down and sat across from him and bounced the ball to him. He caught it and bounced it back. I played with him for a few minutes until I couldn't see through the tears. I told Gary that Tucson would let me know when he was ready. I said I'd continue to walk him twice a day to poop and pee until he wasn't able. His walks got shorter and I often used a sling to help him back home. The morning before we took him in to the vet, we left for our walk and instead of going out to the road, he walked to the back yard and followed the property line peeing along the way. When we got back to the front yard, he took a big dump. In the 13 years, 7 months I had him, he never once pooped or peed in his own yard. I think it was his way of saying he was ready and was marking his space before going. Friends stopped over that evening and he hobbled over with a squeaky toy in his hand and handed it over. After they left I tried to get him to go for a walk, but he refused. The next morning, I tried to get him out before going to the Vet, but again he refused. When it came time he did follow me out to the car.
He was by my side every day of his life except 3 days.
He.loved his Daddy too.
Saying goodbye was the hardest thing to do
Know you're having fun playing with Kirby and all your friends. Wait for me at the rainbow bridge.
Thanks for sharing the pictures and tribute to Tucson. Brings tears to my eyes because I know how much he meant to you and Gary also. So hard to say good bye to our fur babies. He was a great dog. He tried to make friends with my kitties but they were having nothing to do with that. Sending hugs Sharon
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