Had to "put down" Chelsea this morning after 5 1/2 months of decline related to old age and kidney failure. She turned 12 on August 23rd and by this morning was unable to keep food in her stomach nor control her bowel movements. Along the way she had slowly been unable to jump, then climb steps and the past week was unable to walk without stumbling and falling. She was mostly deaf and becoming what in humans would be called senile and distracted. A friend allowed me to borrow a rifle with which I put a bullet into the back of her head. Death was quick and humane while she was lying in the grass calmly. The friend helped me bury her in a shallow grave in the woods on his property. The pictures show her living the wonderful, free and loving life she knew for most of her time, and those of us who knew her will remember her as smart, tough, loyal and as patient as a stone. Without doubt she was the best dog Beth and I have ever been privileged to know. Our faith is certain that she is in a better place happily wagging her tail, just as she deserves.
