She played on the beach...

Our 9 year old lab, Bear, died in the night last evening. As we think about it, there have been some signs over the past few weeks that something was wrong.

 Our grandson, Eliott, joined us on the road two days ago and we picked up camp yesterday and headed to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for our last three weeks until we go home for the holidays. It was a warm, maybe even hot day. We set up our new camp and then about 4:00 headed to the beach. The last time Bear had been there was about 4 years ago with her mother, Millie. Bear played with Mollie in the surf as she had many years ago with Millie. Watching Eliott and two dogs enjoying one another will be our last memories of Bear.

When we went to bed last night Bear was showing signs of discomfort. At 1:00 A.M. she woke us up and Rob took her outside. He could tell she was seriously ill, I tended to her outside while he got online and tried to find an emergency Vet out here on the Banks, the closest one was three hours away. Bear layed her head in my hands at one point and we looked one another in the eyes, and I knew. I told her I loved her and to tell Millie hello for us. Rob said his good byes.

Sometime in the night she went on to where ever it is our beloved companions go. And now there are two. Our hearts are heavy, but she had a wonderful life and gave and got, so much love.