Ruby made it clear last night that she's ready. And I FINALLY figured out HOW to let her go so it is the best way for her that I can arrange. I hadn't been looking at the celebration side of it, and a recent parish funeral was a great help there. She'll go in the back area of the vet's office amid all the barking there-- she's never been afraid of the vet's place. I think they will let me back there as well, where I can take a moment to rejoice in the things we were able to do for her, and say goodbye. (I have to SEE her gone. I still dream the return of a dearly loved cat that died in the road, whose body I never got to see...)

From there we'll go on to a vaccinations appointment already booked for Faulkner (Hardi will be doing that with him), move forward practically and symbolically to the licensing of F and our new dog, Sadie, and then on to a planned hockey game to Let It Go. It takes an hour to get there, and that will be a great opportunity for any "surprise" venting.

Ruby will go to what the vet says is called "communal cremation." It may not be the fantasy of keeping our pets forever, but we rent this house and have no good place here. More importantly, she did always prefer other dogs around her. :~)

~Susan