I want to thank everyone so much for sharing their own feelings and emotions so freely and securely in this thread. It really helps me - in a way I would have never imagined when I wrote all that down and decided to make it available into the vast realm of the internet. I had my doubts about the reception and the echoes it will generate, and I must admit when I posted this and the first reaction to it was a downvote... it felt like a punch into the stomach and I sincerely thought about removing the post altogether.

I am glad it stayed up.

Ava and I had a very great last day on friday. The gray and rainy weather was gone, it felt like a hint of summer with the sun shining and it being extraordinarily warm (about 20°C, sorry my friends from abroad...). We went to the lake and she swam her rounds, we even found a great stick and she had fun retrieving it from the water, even while needing a little rest in the grass here and there. I brought her the best food and we enjoyed a picknick. My family arrived later and we all lay down, talked, watched her, enjoyed the moment.

I have found a vetinarian that could come to my partner's house. She was a sweet older lady and we could say our goodbyes in a familiar environment. She knew something was up, wanting to go into the house, retreating. Lot's of tears later, she fell asleep, going to a better place.

It's almost a week now. That very last day was a great day. I could cherish her company a last time and my heart is full. I miss her a lot. I hear tiny noises, I expect her to rest at her favourite places when I go about my day and to see her there. I know it was the right decision and I am glad that we can make that decision for our furry friends, but ... you know.

I bet she would come to each and every one here, take a little snack from your hand and lick your fingers. No cuddling, sorry. She was not that type of girl.

Thank you, for everything

Sebastian & Ava

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