Just call me Ed

February 5, 2010: We let Eddie go Monday night of last week (Jan 25th). A vet came by our house and put Eddie to sleep with dignity. Many of you have gone through the animal loss ordeal so you know the awful feeling.

Our house/ my office feels empty now and it is hard to believe that he is gone. We'll remember his love of life, people and daily dog walks. I figure I walked over 8000 miles with him and he kissed and touched the lives of countless thousands along the way. He was a real charmer. We'll also remember that sweet innocent look that belied his sneaky tactics, his graceful trot, his radiating energy and unspoken communication expressed through his eyes.

Eddie (or Ed as his many friends called him) was diagnosed with malignant stomach cancer and low-grade liver cancer in early December. He was given two weeks to two months to live. Fortunately, we had a good Christmas; although his energy level was dropping he appeared in good spirits.

After New Years, things got progressively worse. In the end, he was eating very little and throwing up 3 or 4 times a day. He was rapidly becoming weak and couldn't walk very far. Still, it was a tough decision to put him down because he was such a strong dog and could still rise to the occasion.

We are relieved that he is gone before the suffering got any worse but we miss him very much. He made it to his half birthday which was Jan 19th so he lived for 12.5 years. He was a remarkable, funny dog, loved everyone, lived a good life and always trusted us. — Steve