It has been approximately a month since my gentle Dora passed over The Rainbow Bridge. She came into my life with such love and gentleness. She was my first Standard Poodle (I have always had Toys in the past), and with her I was totally sold on the breed. Over time my poor girl suffered numerous health problems from eyelid problems, to hiatal hernia, to having a toe removed on each foot due to squamous cell carcinoma. Nonetheless she remained so stoic and never once balked at going into the back room with the Vet or the Techs. She was playful and loved to tease her little sis "Diva". Never showing a mean bone in her body. She slept with me on the bed and I still reach out to touch her at night. So many tears shed. My goodness, so many. In the end, her rear quarters gave out. I found her on the deck one day after work,,,,,on her side, her tongue hanging out all grey, panting uncontrollably. I was able to put a sheet under her and drag her into the house until I could get help from a neighbor to get her into my car and drive like a mad woman to the Vet. I don't know how long she had lain outside, but it looked like heat stroke had struck. The wonderful staff at Chuckanut Vets was able to bring her back to me, but it was short lived as she was never really able to get up on her back legs without my assistance. She rapidly went down hill and it was soon very evident that it was time to end her suffering. She was so full of grace at the end that she made such a horrible decision on my part bearable. She raised her head one last time as the meds were being injected. I am sure it felt funny. I reassured her that it was OK and that I loved her so very much. She laid her head back down and simply went to sleep, her suffering over. My love, my love, I will miss you forever. Momma