Just wanted to update you all. Grandpa held on for a good month. My Dad was able to get him hospice care and Dad was there every single day with him. Finally my Uncle went to see him this past weekend. He passed on shortly after. I am glad my Uncle went, I believe that was why Grandpa held on so long. I think we are all at peace, finally. He is surely in a better place. Thank you all for your kind words.

That's so sad. Over the years I've had to face this many times, and it hasn't gotten any easier. In fact, I think it's harder. I have a 14-year-old Briard mix, and I think about this often. Two consolations: One, that my dog and yours have lived with love and care and fun for all of their time with us. And other is that I truly believe our animals and we will see each other again in a different world. Do you have a picture of Biscuit to share? We'd love to see him. You have my sincere sympathy. Susan

Funny - I love it!!!! In defense of SOME men, my husband was a wonderful person, doing whatever was necessary to make our house a home (or whatever I asked him to do). Not all men are anal-retentive.

I truly thank everyone for your thoughts and kindness. This is just a small update. I have to say that Laurie was right. It was incredibly odd and it seemed the very second Jelika left our world a huge sense of relief and calm flooded through me. But as she said I think it was Jelika's relief and not mine. I am heartbroken and probably will be for a while yet. I can not get used to her not being with me. It is so hard. But since she passed before we got to the vet there was no sense in going there, so instead we went straight to the crematorium (incidently it was the hardest thing I've ever done is leaving my baby there, knowing I would never see her or pet her again). I called them this morning to see when I could pick Jelika up, and she put me on hold to go check, then came back and said "We can't find it right now, we'll call you back when we have something" I FREAKED! How could they not find my baby! So I called my boyfriend and asked him to call them, and he found out that there is a back room that the receptionist just didn't want to get up to go check. But he made her and then she said yes, Jelika was back there and ready to go. But how horrible is that.. to hear that they can't find your precious baby. It was the worst thing to think that they misplaced her. And how can I be sure it's her I'm getting back?? With a receptionist as heartless as that.. it was just awful..