Tito

Today is a sad day!!  We are having to put our wonderful dog, Tito, down this afternoon.  He was a birthday present to my daughter nearly 14 years ago.  When we learned that she had a chronic illness called ITP, diagnosed when she was nearly 10 years old, he knew something was different.  When her platelets would start to drop we knew it before any of her symptoms occured because he would not leave her side.  He was within 6 inches of her no matter where she went and if she sat down or went to bed....he was on her lap or snuggled as close to her as he could get.  It never failed....not long after that behavior would begin her symptoms would begin and we would end up at the hospital in Rapid City, SD again.

He was her bestest friend as she grew up.  She could tell him anything and he kept it secret.  She would be sad and cry and he would sit beside her comforting her as best he could.  When she was happy....he celebrated with her.  He had his own birthday party and presents every year.  On the morning of his birthday....he knew something was up and that this would be the day he would be treated even more special that usual!!!!  His eyes sparkled a little more and his tail was straight up in the air and he didn't just walk....he pranced!!!  He even had his own "cake".

Now his eyes have dimmed with cataracts.  He is unable to process the nourishment in his food so is very thin and increasingly weak.  It is hard for him to stand very long but he still insists on trying to find Shallon or I so he can sit beside us.  He will be so much better in heaven with my son, Brent.  We know that they will both be waiting for us someday but we will miss him so very very much.  He has been a friend and part of our family. 

Tito was not just a "dog" or even an "animal"........he was a soul who came to give us unconditional love and comfort.
Hug your dog a little tighter!!!!!!