My Mao-mao is gone from this world.

Today the world lost a furry angel. He passed away today in my arms. He had been getting progressively sicker, not wanting to eat very much at all, even when I have him his favorite treats. He was becoming unsteady on his feet and generally had lost his lust for all of his doggie activities. It seemed that moving was a chore for him, and he was trudging forward despite his pain and rapid decline.

When he went to his vet specialist on Tuesday, she found he had a bleeding ulcer and didn't even bother to check his kidney values since she said last time he was in his values were shockingly high, and she was surprised he was able to even be up and around, most dogs with levels that high were not even trying to get up anymore.

We were lucky to have him as long as we did, and with her help, and the nurturing care of Mr. Dog (who gave him subcutaneous fluids 2x per day, and cooked him special meals to coax him to eat) we were able to keep him relatively healthy and happy for 18 months after his diagnosis.

My heart is truly broken, and I feel sick to my stomach at the thought of life without him, but I know we did the right thing for him. He did not deserve to suffer simply because I could not let go, so for him, I found the courage to say goodbye.

I love you Mao, I always will. And I know you are here with us always.