341004_2807680113905_60258212_o July 18, 2017.  We had to put Buddy, our Lab mix down.  He was nearly 15 years old.  Several months ago we noticed a difference in his breathing.  He began drinking more than usual and peeing quite often.  He couldn't handle the long walk we would take.   Recently he started having trouble  getting up and really wouldn't sit.  He would either stand or lay down.  We knew he was getting old and figured these were signs of old age.

IMG_08591 We took him to the Vet a few weeks back.  He was diagnosed with cancer which explained what we were seeing in him the past few months.

Monday evening he took a turn for the worse.  He could hardly get up. His walking difficult.  He wouldn't eat.  As the evening went on he couldn't stand.  His back legs would just fold under his weight. I was up with him all night trying to get him to settle down and go to sleep.  Finally he did get to sleep and slept for a few hours.  

13417528_10209940016959796_3751651679341925118_n Earlier in the evening and again the next morning I had to carry him out side.  When I needed to carry him, that's when I knew.  I have no idea how much pain he was in.  He never gave us any indication that he was in any pain at all.  He put up a good front.

We made the decision to put him down that morning.  Not an easy decision but he was suffering and that was not the best life for him.  

Buddy was a difficult puppy.  Strong willed, rough and sometimes mean.  I almost didn't keep him due to his personality issues.  However I decided not to give up on him.  It took time but he came around. 

IMG_08511 He was smart, I will say that.  He had a number of trick he could do.  My favorite, he could catch a treat off the tip of his nose while blindfolded.   We also played hide and seek.  He could always find me, no matter where I hid.

He loved squeaky toys.   He would often hide new toys somewhere is the house.  Behind something, under something.  Really never knew why.  It was something he did.  He didn't like you to watch or follow as he was looking for a hiding spot.  If you were following, he would keep on walking around until you left him alone to hide his toy.

There are so many stories, I could go one and on.  Buddy will be missed.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.  I hope this wasn't too personal for my blog.  I felt the need to put this is writing, it help me think things though.

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