A very sad post ~ Dog Pug

I lost my best girl Katie on Tuesday. It's the hardest, saddest thing I've ever done.

I rescued Katie when I was in my San Diego condo when she was a year and a half. That was 11 years ago. Katie was with me almost 24/7 once I retired, and she was my constant companion, protector, mouser and traveling buddy for the last 7 years.

She was the best, I couldn't have asked for a better dog, especially being a full-time RVer.

Lots of you knew Katie, lots of you recognized me when we were walking from the photos of Katie posted on this blog. Many people stopped their vehicles and said," Is that Katie? You must be Barbara." And we made new friends on the spot. She wasn't much of a dog person, but loved people and had lots of good "people friends," - and a couple of special ones.

Over the years Katie developed various chronic health conditions, and I knew this day was coming. I thought about it, talked to a couple of people about it, but it wasn't something I could plan, I just couldn't plan it in advance. I woke up Tuesday morning and knew.

Katie had a good afternoon and even though she was on a restricted diet, I gave her cookies and boiled chicken, two of her favorites, and other treats. We took two walks on grass and smooth sidewalks, and she was a happy girl. I'm so glad she had a happy afternoon. Then at 4:00 we drove to the pet hospital.

Katie passed laying comfortably on a big fluffy blanket on the floor of the Comfort Room at Canyon Pet Hospital in Flagstaff, AZ. The room was comforting with low lights and a small faux fireplace burning away, very quiet - we had time to say goodbye. I was laying next to her, petting her and talking to her, telling her what a good girl she was and how much I loved her. She was asleep almost immediately after receiving the medication, which didn't hurt, thankfully. Then Dr. Karen gave her the final shot and she was gone.

I have to give my sincerest thank you to Dr. Karen and the entire staff there. They were so kind to Katie and me, so gentle with Katie. Katie wasn't even afraid to be there, usually she hates the vet, but their procedure at Canyon Pet Hospital was not like a vet visit. I am so grateful.

Here are some photos of my Sweet Baby Katie.