He Knows If You've Been Bad Or Good

I want to thank all who left comments or sent e-mails about Monty. It helps to hear such warm words about my sweet boy. My heart is breaking today. Tears just keep happening as I go about my day.

Yesterday morning we received the results of the final blood test and they confirmed the diagnosis of cancer. Saturday he had a very difficult day, struggling for breath and not wanting to eat. On Sunday he did a little better. His breathing was a little easier and he ate a bit. He even stole some toilet paper, which gave me some hope. Yesterday he was stretching his neck out to try and get more air into his lungs and then he had a nosebleed. We knew it was time. I wasn't going to let him just continue to decline.

Here is a poem in his memory:

We Have A Secret
By Unknown Author

We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?

And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?

And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again and free.

And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.

When we came home without Monty, the rest of the pack was unusually quiet. Today the campaign began for his leadership role. Morgan is the next in age, but she's not interested in being leader. Tsar is largest, but also isn't interested.

The spot seems to be between Samba and Fudge. My money's on Samba. Several times today she put him in his place with a lot of snarling and snapping. I think it will be decided in a couple days.

I want to thank Chan and Gaylen who sent such a very thoughtful gift, a little kit to make a plaster cast of Monty's foot. I'm sorry it came a day too late, but we are going to make one of Morgan's little paw soon. I also made the suggestion to our vet today that it would be a nice thing to offer people who lose their pets.

Yesterday we also received our DOT ornament swap package and boy, did we get lucky. Nichole spoiled us and then some.

Inside her adorable card was a magnetic calendar that I can keep here on the filing cabinet next to my desk. I won't have to hunt for it every time I need to check a date.

She sent pictures of her dogs and a special magnet of big Zeus, who reminds me so much of Monty.

There was a luggage tag that says it all and a list pad and a candle all in my favorite colors of pink and purple.

My gang says, "Now on to the good stuff". TREATS !!

Don't you love the green lobster? I love the idea of Water Dogs having nautical toys. When the pups were born I gave them stuffed fish and boats and life rings and all kinds of 'sea stuff'. I think this guy is too cute.

Sky has already put his bid in on the snowman. He has to wait till Christmas, but he eyes it every time he walks by the table.

These are just too much. What beautiful collars and leash. Now all ten of my kids can have new collars for Christmas.

This is going to be my motto for the new year.


This book is full of thoughts and poetry and even has a section on saying good-bye. It was a very timely gift and Rob and I have both been reading through it today.


Finally, this gorgeous ornament which is and will always be Monty's special ornament. It will always have a special spot on our tree and will remind us of him. It seems so fitting that it came into our lives the day he left us.

Thank you Nichole. This was an exceptional gift package, one I will never forget.

Today we went back to see our vet. Samba was exhibiting pain in her foot and Morgan was limping. These two do everything together.

Samba had a split nail and with the distraction of lots of yummy treats, Dr B was able to cut it way back and stop the bleeding without Samba giving a whimper. She is doing fine now.



Morgan has a torn tendon in her right leg, near the ankle, probably from jumping off the bed and landing wrong. She's not allowed to jump off anything or go down stairs. She's also confined to leash walks, no running. She's taking anti-inflammatory meds. This apparently will be a lengthy recovery, possibly six weeks. What fun!!