[labman]

Well the day finally came. I had our Lab Aster put to sleep this morning. She was 15 last month and hadn't done well all year. Last winter brought out the worst in her arthritis. Then early this year the vet found cancer in her jaw. Still, up until a month ago I think she was enjoying life. She had many good swims this summer. She could no longer walk the mile to the pond, so I drove her. I had a ramp making it easier for her to get in and out of the truck. One of the highlights of the summer was working the dog guide booth at the state fair. As a retired dog guide, people were free to pet her, unlike the working dogs we had.

A few weeks ago, I realized her swollen belly was more than indulging her with extra food. An X-Ray at the vet revealed a huge tumor, likely on her liver. Over the weekend, she quit eating, and we decided it was time. Her partner from her days as a dog guide met me at the vets to say good by to her. It is unusual for the family that raised a puppy to live in the same area and be friends with a guide dog's partner. The family that had her mother also lived in the area, and the 3 families enjoyed many visits together over the last 15 years. Aster is gone, but the friendships will continue.

[AKaeTrue]

I'm so sorry Labman. I've read many great stories over the years about Aster. I'm truly sorry.

[starbuck8]

I'm so sorry to hear of Asters passing Labman.

"I Remember"

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
And say "Good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

Author unknown

[Curlyben]

Very sorry for your lose, Labman.

[mydogquestion]

A sad day.Sorry for your loss. But what a great life Aster had.

[Alty]

So sorry to hear of your loss Labman. Dogs bring such joy to us during their brief time on this earth. Aster was one of the lucky ones, she had a good life, so many don't.

Goodbye Aster, may you rest in Peace.

[J_9]

I am so sorry to hear about Aster's passing. May she be happy in dog heaven, swimming as much as she wants.

[starbuck8]

ZoeMarie agrees: oh my gosh! I'm crying...

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make anyone cry. :( I cried too. It's always a sad thing to go through, and it's hard to lose a friend. I loved the poem, and hope it brought some comfort.

[ZoeMarie]

I was crying because I imagined my little Zoe... she's only 3 months old though so she's got a lot of life left.