Tree Climber,

I feel your loss and pain. Two yrs ago I had to put down my Pointer, Bell. I swear I can sit in my yard and see her runing the yard. Puting her down (had cancer) was the hardest thing I have ever done.

My tracking dog is a beagle, Toot. She too, is 14 yrs old and has arthiritis, a swollen heart and liver. The vet says she is not in any pain, I give her two heart pills every day. Can't stand the thought of losing her, which I know is close.

The suggestion I wanted to make is go out right now and get you a puppy. I know this sounds hard and it won't replace Boots, but a new puppy will steal your heart. Because of my Toot not being able to holdout to track anymore, and the Lord knows, she would try, and because of losing Bell, I went and bought a new Beagle puppy as quick as I could find one.

I also had a lab puppy given to me and I'll assure you that those two have kept me going.

This may sound silly but I go to Bells' grave often and talk to her as if she was a person I lost. It helps, but you never forget them.

My best to you and I hope the pain eases as each day passes.

dog1