Today has been an exceptionally difficult day. We had to put Abbey to sleep.

As most of you know, Leanne and Abbey have been together from the very beginning. Thirteen and a half years. She's served as Leanne's running partner, confidant, and partner approver. That's right, Abbey helped us get together. When Leanne and I started dating, Abbey made sure to sit directly between us on the couch and would constantly nudge, paw, and nuzzle my hand to make sure I pet her. I passed Abbey's seal of approval. And in fact, years later when Leanne and I would get into an argument, Abbey would come sit with me and try to sit in my lap - while frustrating to Leanne, it was always caused a bit of amusement - after the fact. :)

Abbey's was a real trooper. She underwent 2 knee replacement surgeries, suffered from years of severe allergies where she'd scratch and itch and loose patches of her fur, and became deaf and blind. But the worst came in August of 2006 when she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her rump. At that time, the vet estimated that she had a few weeks to a month to live. But Abbey had other plans. She hung on and really didn't show any symptoms. Sure, she'd trip and stumble on occasion, but nothing she couldn't take. That was until this week.

Starting on Sunday of last week, Abbey started having accidents in the house. This was very uncommon. Before this week, we couldn't even recall the last time she had an accident in the house. She was always very good about letting us know that she needed to go out and her signals were always very clear. And then she started vomiting. We knew it was time.

Thankfully, we were able to locate a vet who did home visits and would put pets to sleep in the comfort of their own homes. This was something that was very important to us. Abbey hated the vet more than anything and always shook and pulled away when we took her. We didn't want her to be scared during her last moments with us. And she wasn't. At 1:32, she passed away on her bed in the living room with us by her side. She wasn't in any pain and went peacefully and quickly. Just like we wanted for her.

We are hanging in there. Our house is eerily quite without the clicking of nails on the hardwoods, her chasing the cats throughout the house, or her scratching/itching. And our routine is altered. It felt so odd to turn on our alarm this evening without taking her out first. And I am sure it will be odd tomorrow morning to not have to take her out when we first get up. But we'll be adjust. Slowly.

Abbey will be missed and always be a part of our family.