We took Valentine home and gave her good food and supplements. She did quite well considering. We had a special 15th birthday for her in December as we knew it would no doubt be the last.

June 10, 2009 was a nice sunny day. I spent the morning out the yard with Valentine. I brushed her and trimmed some of her fur. She wanted to chase birds but I made her stay with me. We came in the house as I had to work later in the afternoon. Around noon, something wasn't right. Valentine wasn't herself but I couldn't figure out what was going on. I called the vet and brought her in immediately.

After a thorough exam, the vet felt that possibly a tumor broke in the lung and fluid was present. The heart was also weak. In tears, I begged the vet to do something. I had just lost Taffy last week and I couldn't lose Valentine too. The vet could aspirate the fluid and give her heart meds. However without more extensive tests, we wouldn't know for sure what the cause of the fluid buildup was, or if it would fill right back up again, compromising her breathing and causing pain.

I sat on the floor with Valentine, running my hands through that soft black fur, crying like an idiot. I didn't know what to do but I knew I couldn't lose her too. Valentine looked up at me with those soft, gentle brown eyes, and seemed to say "Mommy, I'm tired. I don't like being sick and I can't play and chase things like I once did."

I told the vet that Valentine needed to join Freddy and Taffy at the Bridge. My heart was so heavy and I thought the tears would never stop that day. Other people told me that I would know when it was time. Valentine told me herself that it was time, but that didn't make the grief any easier.

Valentine, you were truly a "lucky dog". You came out of a shelter at 6 weeks of age and lived a perfect life with two families who loved you dearly. You were never abandoned, abused, or unloved. You were big, beautiful and so gentle. We called you our "Gentle Giant." Our neighbors loved you and you always had a kiss and a paw for the children. You will always have a special place in my heart. I can close my eyes and see your beautiful brown eyes and feel that soft, black fur. Run free, sweet baby girl. I hope there are a lot of squirrels and bunnies at the Bridge. Tell Freddy and Taffy that I love them and miss them and someday I will be with you all again.

With love and unending sadness,