That’s a good question. Just how do you say good-bye to a loyal, trustworthy friend? Sailor was a good dog; a wonderful companion. Beautiful. Intelligent. Sweet and loving. The last of my true kids from my favorite dog of all time, Indy. He was a lot like his father before him.

We always thought that of all the dogs, Sailor would be the one most likely to live into his older years. He was so energetic and healthy. Not one health problem ever marred his short life. He fought bravely, but that insidious disease proved too much for him. He kept smiling right up until the end.

Over the past three weeks he was on a roller-coaster of a ride. He went so low a few times that we were certain he was leaving us. He rallied several times much to our delight, although never coming back up to where he was before. This past week he was basically a hospice care patient. I was at his beck and call. He needed help getting outside and getting up. He was fussy eating, so Dairy Queen vanilla cones were a big hit with him. His eyes would grow big with wonder and anticipation when he realized that it was all for him. How he loved them! The hours of my day were filled with his needs. Now my day seems empty.

(I love this pic because of his smile and because he looks like he’s wearing my hair as a wig!)

I watched him leave us little bit by little bit. I started preparing myself the minute I heard the diagnosis of lymphoma. I had great hopes that the chemo would keep him with us longer than it did. I kept as upbeat and happy around him as I possibly could, and I think I did a good job. I have no regrets there. He had a good life; I just wish it could have been longer.

We were both with him at the end. He passed as peacefully as we could have hoped for. That he did it with us, here at home, instead of the vet’s office was a great comfort to us. We didn’t have to end his life for him, he chose his own way.

So, good-bye dear Sailor. Sailing-man. Skipper. Mr. Prissy Paws. Scupper-gubs. We will miss your sweet, dear face. Let your soul be free to go wherever it was that you needed to go. Promise me you’ll be back to visit.