Goodbye Brisbane

I had to say goodbye to Brisbane yesterday. The cancer had gotten extremely aggressive, and the bad days were starting outnumber the good days. I knew we were near the end when he stopped eating a couple of weeks ago. Briz was always an incredibly food motivated dog, and his entire life I've said that if he ever refuses to eat it will be a medical emergency.

On Saturday we had lots of cuddle time. He ate more than he had in the last week. I took him to our favorite dog beach and we played Chuckit. He was happy to play in the water, happy to chase the ball, happy to be with me. It was the best day he had had in weeks. I could have canceled the appointment and waited for another bad day, but I wanted to end our time together on a high note.

Even though he still got excited for things, I knew that when it was time to settle down he had a lot of trouble resting comfortably. That's the way he always was. No matter how injured, no matter how miserable, he was ready to push it all aside to have a good time. Whether he was lure coursing, herding sheep, or chasing tennis balls, he just wouldn't quit.

Brisbane was probably the greatest dog I will ever own. He made me the person I am today. He was the greatest thing that ever happened to me, and now I have to figure out what life looks like without him.