Yes, I am reminded of my sweet Hanna anytime I hear that a dog has cancer - I agree with you.

Having just lost the most hilarious, spirited, intellignet and most adorable Standad Poodle, I know the feeling. I fell in love with this bedraggled, skinny, medical trainwreck the instant he walked into my shelter and my life and checkbook were never the same. He was my one in a million dog.

As you refer to them, they are our "Heart Dogs"...ones that inscribe a very special memory on our hearts that can never be forgotten. There's a connection forged (for whatever reason) that somehow goes beyond the average relationship with a pet and their departure from our lives is more keenly felt. We're left with a dull ache and the meager consolation of images, fond memories and mental pictures that all seem to fade a bit with the passage of time. I lost my beloved Chamois to an aneurysm when he was only six years old and I grieved for him for nearly three years after that. I still miss him each and every day. I saved a lot of his remarkable fur and had it spun into yarn that was woven into a small "blanket" by a textile person who normally works with alpaca hair. It's a nice, tangible reminder of Chamois. I can only hope that gentle Brewster's crossing over the Rainbow Bridge will be an easy one and he'll leave behind his pain and the gift of wonderful memories of him for the family that shared his life.

I try not to be too mushy, but when it comes to animal companions, I'm as mushy as they get. I've been touched by your candor & insight with regards to ailing companions. My heart goes out to you & your family in regards to Brewster (& Dina). We lost our 7 y.o. Border Collie, Sophie, in AUG 2000 to cancer. It was so sudden; she died shortly after starting chemo. Our hearts ache to this day & although we adopted another BC in AUG 2001, she will never be Sophie - our Hannah is special in her own right & she knows it. We have 5 canine "furkids" (as we call them) & 5 of the feline persuasion. We would do anything for them and we consider ourselves "weirdo dog people" as well. Most people don't "get" the concept of dogs (or cats) as "family" & they certainly don't understand the lengths we go to to make sure they have everything they need or want - especially when they're sick. When I read your blog, it's comforting to know that we're not alone in our devotion to our furkids... your furkids are blessed to have you in their lives. Brewster will take that with him & be forever grateful that he was your companion.