My older dog, Tug, had been failing.  Last week, he went into a steep decline.  Saturday morning, we took him to the vet, and had him put to sleep.  Yes, it is a euphemism.  And, yet, it did seem as if he had fallen asleep.  We cried.  But, also, I feel at peace.  By Friday, he could no longer stand up.  And, he no longer wagged his tail.  Not even for the tastiest, yummiest treat.  He was in pain.  It was time. To see the pain leave his body was a great relief to me.  After the injection, his heart took less than a minute to stop.  We chose cremation.  I will buy a pot, I will mix the ashes with soil, and I will plant flowers.

Saturday night, I dreamt I was awaiting execution and didn't know the charges.  I was bewildered.  Never believe that dreams are random.

Here we are, Saturday morning, still at home, in a photo taken by my husband.