Here is my sad story for the day. My friend Judith has a dog, Pearl. Pearl is at least 13, maybe 15. Judith has had her for 12 years, and Pearl is one of my favorite people. I "baby-sat" for her over Memorial Day for 10 days and took her camping. It was the first time in her life she had been camping, and she had a wonderful time. Most of the time we had more dogs (8) in camp than we had humans (6). Never even a minor squabble among the dogs.

Judith told me today that Pearl's blood tests show at least 70% kidney failure. This morning, she "tossed" her breakfast, and at noon lost everything she ate yesterday. She refused to eat,drink or pee all day and is waddling when she walks. Last night she was more or less fine.

We were hoping for 6 months or so; looks like we may not get it. Renal failure is miserable for anyone; bloat, seizures,dementia, etc. due to uric acid build up in the system. Maybe Pearl can save us the decision, but I doubt it, this is usually a very slow and difficult way to go.

Pearl will not be required to suffer un-necessarily. I only wish I could say the same for both my parents, who did. For years.

"Now and at the hour............."