I lost a friend and family member this week.  Cooper began experiencing some health problems earlier this year, and though after we followed the Veterinarian's orders things not only got better, but Cooper thrived like never before. Alas, I believe that whatever it truly was that ailed him when into remission and then came back with a vengeance last Thursday.  By Monday morning after our walk at Fort Ward Park I was convinced that my wife and I had to take him to the Vet for a final "goodbye."

It was rough, and it has been since.  Yet Marie and I and our adult children are continually buoyed by the love available to us from others that truly lifts our souls and spirits.  The following is what I posted on my Facebook page at the conclusion of that difficult day...

"Thank you all for the outpouring of love today. Marie and I were fairly certain that this was Cooper's last weekend and that was more evident this morning. I am grateful that he and I had a final walk together in his favorite park (Fort Ward) where he on wobbly and unsteady legs, looked longingly at the sights and I saw him actually savor the smells that his hound's nose drew in. I am certain that he knew it was his last outing. So he and I ended like we began together. On a walk. My favorite moment today was one of his usual in park visits. He loved walking through the original fort's gate. I let him know that this is probably what the gateway in heaven looked like so if he headed for that he would be in good hands. An hour or so later, in the vet examining room, as he fought injected prep sleep Cooper heard from Marie and me in mere words that which he showed us in being for the 8 of his 11 years we had him; "I love you." Thus now the sun goes down on a sad day, yet one warmly fragrant in love. Thank you, all. Bye Coop. Til we meet again."