Goodbye to a Good Dog

We recently lost our poor good old faithful German Shepherd, Phoenix.  In dog years Phoenix was 85 and that is really hard on a German Shepherd body.  We have very sadly watched her decline over the past year as arthritis began to set in to her hind legs.  She had also had packed around rocks for so many years that most of her teeth were worn out or missing.  She was living on a diet of cat food because it was so much softer than dog food.  The thing I loved about Phoenix was that even though she was getting old and it was quite hard for her to get around, every time the kids came outside, she was there at our sides in an instant with a ball.  She would tough up and shake off the effects of the arthritis and play with the kids.  She was always there to greet us when we got home and was the softest hearted big dog I have ever met.  She was so tender with her co-pet cat friends making best friends with our cat, Mittens, and instantly taking in and protecting our new kitten, Jaz.  She would snuggle with the cats and they would greet each other with hugs and loves.  It has been hard this last week going outside not having Phoenix greet us giving us kisses and wanting to play.  Every time I have leftovers that I know she will love it has been a hard realization all over again that she is no longer with us.  We will miss our good girl, but are hoping that people and pets can be reunited in Heaven.  Love you Phoenix!