Last night we said goodbye to Wilson; we helped prepare him for the next leg of his journey through this world and onto the next. I pulled him from the shelter, already knowing that he had medical issues and we were prepared to deal with those. Then bloat struck. His stomach twisted, tissue died and he spent a week at the vets getting better one day at a time. But suddenly he took a turn for the worst and there was no getting better. The staff did everything they could, but in the end he could go no farther in his battle to live. All was done that could be and it was decided to end his suffering.

Whenever a dog is lost, no matter the reason, a little of us goes with him on his journey. We know in rescue some will go early, but that never makes it easier. Wilson will be remembered for his great temperament both toward people and other dogs he came into contact with at the kennel. The staff grew to love him and his ease of being handled; never a growl, never a look, and if he could smile there would have been a big one there. Not knowing his previous life, which we guessed at it being hard without many vet visits included, it is just remarkable how balanced he was. We have had some that were not as fortunate in coming from similar backgrounds.

Now that your collar is off and leash is on the ground, may you always run free and find the happiness wherever you are Wilson, you have earned it.