[Chocaholic]

I want you to know that my wife and kids have read through every one of your comments. It was a sleepless night at our house and your words and the kindness of you people are more help than you know.

ScoTT - I can't even imagine what you went through. It makes our loss seem easy by comparison. This morning over coffee, Cathy and I talked about the events yesterday. Abby was incredibly easy to live with...no need for a leash, no health issues and a kindness and soft heart that was beyond compare. She left us in that same way. You don't see it when you're living it, but some really unusual things happened that lessened the burden more than it should have.

For example...I was in town (unusual by itself). I drove the kids to school (a rare event). Cathy had to leave for work early, so the house was quiet. Instead of going back into the house after dropping off the kids (also unusual), I tinkered around in the garage...then my phone rang. Business associate with some pressing issues. Got wrapped up in that until mid-morning. Realized I had a con-call in 30 minutes, so I ran in the house, ate something and took a quick shower. In such a rush that I never noticed that Abby wasn't around (also unusual). Was back in my home office until 3 when Cathy got home. Went in to say hello to her and that's when we found Abby. After a long, quiet damp gray day. She was in her favorite spot and looked sound asleep...eyes peacefully closed. No saliva or any evidence of discomfort.

These seem like little things, but it got us wondering if things were intended to allow her a quiet peaceful uninterrupted day on the couch in the sunroom. Perhaps we're just looking for solace. I had been feeling guilty that I didn't spend any time with her during the day as I normally would if I was working from home. This turn of events may be nonsense, but it gives a bit of comfort.

Thanks sincerely to each of you dear people. From the bottom of my heart and from the hearts of three sad kids and a tearful wife. Thank-you.