Raleigh's passage

Friday the 13th was a very sad day for the Manger family. Our sweet golden retriever helped his human family make the worst decision a pet owner has to do. We agonized about how he was doing, knowing full well that the end was drawing near. Our wonderful friend was 13 yrs old and not doing well. He had two very serious bouts with dehydration and abnormal liver labs. Appeared to rebound and gave us another 4 months together.

Then 2 wks ago, Raleigh stopped eating and drinking. Phil worked full time giving ice cubes, every possible type of dog food and human food to entice him to eat. We gave him 10-15 pills a day of antibiotics, narcotics to relieve any pain and natural drugs to heal his liver, etc. etc. One day would be good, with him gobbling up some very expensive meat balls, and the next barely raising his head from the floor. But always, always, doing his best to do what we wanted. Would try to stand up with the back legs sliding out from in front of him. Then just staying there waiting for us to put our arms under his back legs and raise him up. Would do pretty good then... would walk crookedly outside to do his duty. Wore a diaper with great dignity at night and never complained.

But friday was the day the vet put it all together. Even with all the love we could give him, he was dehydrating again, his tongue dry and heart beat rapid. He had lost more weight and was boney, but beautiful. So Phil and I made the sad decision ; Stephanie aware of it all and kept connected by phone calls; and said her good byes . Grandma came over and shared some time with Raleigh, too. He was pampered and pet, and brushed.. after all, he needed to be the best dog he could be. He always was.

Michelle and Christopher went with us..... and we came home without our Raleigh. I must say our vet was absolutely the most incredibly compassionate professional I have every met. She felt it was a priviledge to help with the passage of such a loved friend and guided us all the way.Helped us to know he was aware we were there, that he could hear us, and feel us.. And I guess in the end, it is all anyone could ask for when their lifecycle ends.

I hope this wasn't too long and sad, but just had to share .
Love, aunt chris