Friends,

I knew it was going to happen some day but I hoped it wouldn't be so soon. I just returned from the vet where I had my old pal Jet put to sleep. He was nearly fourteen years old (ancient for a Lab) and has enjoyed good health all his life. But late yesterday afternoon Jet lost his ability to walk. The vet said it was likely a stroke.

I couldn't bear to watch him try to get up and not be able to keep his balance, then look at me as if to say, "What's up with this?" I stayed in the family room with him last night because evey time I left the room he'd struggle to get up and try to follow me. Now that the deed has been done and I know he's in a better place, it still breaks my heart to have lost him.

Thanks, friends, for giving me the opportunity to gain some closure by getting this off my chest.

Will