Saying goodbye to a member of my family.

I knew this day would come and prepared myself the best I could.

I had to say goodbye to Mitchell Friday. I got to the vet about 430pm and they had a room ready for me. I had Mitch wrapped in a towel in my arms. He sat in my lap as I petted him and rubbed his stripe. The vet tech came in and spread a blanket out on the floor and I moved down there with him. He layed quietly there with me. I didn't let my hand off of him the entire time. Dr Burrell came in and explained everything and made sure I wanted to be there and I said yes. The iv cath was put in and Mitchy didn't make a move. As the drug was pushed into the pic not a sound or anything, he just layed his head down and went to sleep. I was petting him and talking to him the whole time. Doc did his exam and confirmed it was done and gave me some time with him. I regained my composure and went out and got some special treats for the other guys and just sat in the truck for a while as the tears streamed down. I got a call from Heartland Pet Cremation even before I left the parking lot to tell me not to worry that they already had him and would make sure everything was taken care of properly.

My Mitchy Dog
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Last night when I got home from work and then from FUSE I couldn't get Mitchell to eat anything, not even canned food or treats. He hadn't moved from where I had left him yesterday morning. I got him to get up and helped him into the kitchen and he did get a drink of water but that was it. This morning he hadn't moved from where he was last night and didn't even come into my room where he usually sleeps every night.

I had pretty much already decided that if things kept going down hill I wasn't going to let him be miserable or suffer. I made the final decision last night when I got home and saw the shape he was in. So this morning I arranged to take off early, the vet to be ready when I got there and the cremation service to be able to pick him up tonight still. I was able to keep my composure pretty well through all the phone calls. I had already found the urn I wanted and it's being custom made in aromatic cedar and will have Mitch's picture on it printed on metal that won't fade. The maker of the urn and the cremation service are working together and I should be able to bring him back home where he belongs the end of next week.

The urn

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with picture

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Mitchell has been with me for almost 14 years. I got him from a breeder when I still lived in Houston. He, Dusty and Kima have been with me through some of the toughest times of my life. No matter what they have been there for me. Mitchell was always my dog and pretty much where I was, he was. He slept every night on the floor side of my bed. I actually have gottem to the point when I get up at night knowing where to step as to not step on him even if I'm mostly still asleep.

I know I'm still going to be looking for him for a while when I get home. He would usually pop out and say hi as soon as he knew I was home. Even of late, when he was pretty much blind he would yip till I answered him and he could know where I was.

I have had more and more ask if they could do anything. I'm planning on doing some type of special memorial for Mitchell. I'm thinking either a sculpture or a piece of art or something. I'll try and figure out what when I can actually compost thoughts more fully. If anyone would want to do something, I set up a special paypal fund for him and his memorial.

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So to close this.....

Mitchell you will always be a part of me, your happy smile and bright eyes, your silly little happy yips. You will always be loved, always be missed, and never ever forgotten. Thank you for the time with me and the happiness you have brought into my life

I'll close with the Rainbow Bridge Poem


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.


All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.


You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.


Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....


Author unknown...


I love you Mitchell