TRex crossed the Rainbow Bridge last Thursday night, unfortunately. He was beginning to slow down a bit early November, but right after Thanksgiving, he went downhill so fast that my vet Dr. John iscertain he had an aggressive cancer that metasticized into the spine or CNS, because within 7 days he went from typical oldster stiff with arthritus, but still full of life, reasonably mobile and with joint pain well-controlled by meds to shaky, then collapsing, then unable by Thursday morning to use his hind legs at all. By Wednesday night he was refusing to eat at all and I could not get him to even swallow his meds. Dr. J examined him but it was obvious that - with a normal temp and given his age and the fact that he wasn't even trying to lift his head off the stretcher - the final act of love would be to hold him in my arms while he gently crossed the bridge.

Why do we lose the most special ones - the ones that place indelible pawprints on the hearts of everyone they meet - too soon? This was the guy who charmed all of Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue and friends at this year's Malawalk back on October 3rd. This was my baby who danced around the kitchen in anticipation of his food, and who would shake hands and "follow the treat" with his nose for "cookies", the guy who loved pressed rawhide bones and simply adored frozen bison bones. Who taught Ditka (my malamute puppy) what it means to be a good pack leader. Who survived hepatitis, heartworms and a UTI so bad his urine had a specific gravity near that of water. All that and never a grumble from the big guy. He had a happy and love-filled 6 1/2 months and he will always be remembered. I only wish that we had had more time with him.