farewell, good buddy

We lost our beloved Dooley tonight. He seemed fine this morning, but this afternoon he was a bit sluggish. As the day wore on his breathing became labored, his movements slowed considerably, and he began to cough up blood with some regularity. He finally lay down on the floor, and as I lay beside him to stroke him and offer him comfort, he took his last breaths.

My heart is numb with grief, and I know the nights will be difficult without him since he spent most nights under the covers snuggled against me. I miss the sound of his bark when there is activity outside, and the sound of his sigh when he would lie down near wherever I was. He was my companion, my cuddlebug, my grumpy one, my delight.

I am thankful that his end was not prolonged, and that I was with him. But oh, how I will miss him for a very long time.