I remember the day I found the bump right next to your tail. I knew deep inside it wasn’t a good sign, but I knew we would do all we could for you. The vet was suspicious and after the biopsy said it was malignant and needed to come out. He thought he got it all and you seemed to be happy and healthy, but a few weeks went by and suddenly you seemed not quite right. You usually loved to be petted, but not today. You got up and walked away from me and I knew this was the beginning of the end of a ten year irreplaceable relationship. The vet couldn’t confirm that there was anything really wrong, but I knew and you knew. A few more weeks went by and again we went to the vet and this time the blood work came back with a different story, a sad story for our whole family. It said your body was doing abnormal things and so off to the specialist we went. The vets there were wonderful and saw us that same afternoon. They said it was cancer and an autoimmune disease. We knew we wanted you to be comfortable and they were able to give you another few weeks of quality life. You were back to eating and being petted and you shared Thanksgiving dinner with us, a joy I didn’t think I would have. We were so happy that you were home with us, even if it was just for a little longer. Your last weeks were spent napping mostly, but by Christmas I could tell life was becoming a burden to you and I knew a decision was going to have to be made. The day after Christmas we went back to the specialist and she checked you again. She didn’t think she could do anymore to help you feel better so we knew what we had to do for you. It was the hardest day of our lives. You were the most perfect dog. You never dreamed of doing anything wrong and loved us all unconditionally. And we all loved you back. You gave up living in England to be with us when we moved back to the US. That day when we said our final goodbyes was the hardest day of our lives. We laid on the floor on the blanket with you in the vet’s office. We cried while we hugged you and petted you. We told you it was okay to leave us but we would miss you. And we do. It was nine months ago that we said goodbye but it still makes me cry to think of that sad day. I think of you everyday and still miss you so. In June we decided to start over with another beautiful yellow lab, just like you. Of course, she will not replace you, she is another chapter in our lives and I’m sure she will steal another part of our hearts one day, too. She is so unlike you…she’s bold and sassy and unruly, but she’s still a puppy and will one day learn the rules. She helps to make our lives more complete and we always tell her about you and the shoes she will have to fill. I love you Remy!