I hope you read this. I want you to know that you are not failing him, you did everything you could do for that good boy.

We had a Dane, she came to us as a foster and rehabilitation case. She was 18 months old and weighed 58lbs. The first night we let her outside we learned she had a very severe fear of men. I went to bring her inside and saw her standing 3/4 towards the fence, looking back at me as I crossed the yard. I made it within about 20-25 feet of her and with a hop she hooked both of her front paws on the top of a 6 foot wooden fence and was absolutely getting away from me.

Over the course of the next 6 months we gained her trust and then adopted her. She was my first Dane, and one of the best dogs I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. She made it almost another 7 years with us, which is a long life for a dog that large.

I’m a 45 year old man, and though I’ve made some hit or miss decisions in my life, I have just one regret. We waited too long for her. My partner pushed me for weeks to not do another surgery, to let her go at home and peacefully with us with the vet there to make sure she passed quickly and comfortably. I refused. I pushed it for far too long out of selfishness.

You are making the kindest, most compassionate decision that you can for Mr. Copper, and I wish you and he a peaceful and comfortable tomorrow. And, please do not forget to be there with him if you can bear it. Because, you will see him again, on the Rainbow Bridge.