Wednesday afternoon Buddy went to the vet for the last time. Buddy was a sixteen year old terrier mix who had been in pain since he spent two nights in the animal hospital in January. Only 2nd time I have put a dog down, and this was much worse than the first time. Favorite recent memory of Buddy was the other night, his last night, he went to the dog park, was taken off the leash, roamed around the park for a bit and walked back to the apartment off the leash. Blindness didn't stop him from knowing how to get back home. Admittedly a short walk, still impressive for a dog who couldn't get up with 100% consistency.
Also a fond memory is that when my dad came to visit recently Buddy got really close to my dad, sat next to him on the couch and was totally enamored with him. I called my dad to tell him and cried again on the phone with my dad.
Buddy was ours since my younger son picked him out in 4th grade. We had 15 years and four months with Buddy. My son will be 27 years old next month. The son came over Tuesday night to say goodbye. Buddy was a good traveler, he went from McKinney to Alaska for three years to Euless and finally San Antonio.
He couldn't get up by himself anymore,etc. and was in a lot of pain. No more pain Buddy. Go chase those squirrels in heaven Buddy.