Ephie

I don't really know how to put a title to this post.  This is one of those moments that I knew would come but as in many things the end came as a surprise.  I knew Ephie was getting old-she had reached 13years this year and I knew I had to be prepared for her to go.  But how is anyone really prepared, and if you are not a pet/animal lover you can just skip this post totally.  She had her ups and downs but lately we seemed to have found a routine of diet, medicine and food that was working for her.  True she was totally deaf and did do her share of sleeping but she was always up to greet us at the car and willing to give lilly a little chase, along with lots of barking and biting all in attempts to keep her craziness in line.
    I was always concerned about how I would know when her time would be done. The vet assured me that I would know.  Tuesday morning, I knew and it hurt so deep to know. Somehow she lost control of her back legs and was unable to get out of her crate, let alone walk.  It hit me full force the realization that this was it and there was nothing I could do about it, but cry and get it over with.  Between her arthritis and a possible tumor pushing on her spine her big body just couldn't go on.  I will miss her steady eyes and constant vigilance.  Even at 13 she could spot a stray from inside the house.  She was my protector and companion-putting up with the kids and reminding me to breath and slow down by resting her big head on my lap.  Reality is was it is....but the loss is still great.