Podo crossed the bridge this morning.  I had postponed doing this deed in
attempt to give him every possible quality moment his life could give him.
His tumor was so huge that it took over his body.  A few days ago I found
stools like tar, stomach bleeding.  He could not negotiate his cage
anymore, would get half way up a ramp and have to rest, then get to the
top and rest again.  Going down he would fall where he could not manage
his hind end.  Walking for him was a trial, would wobble and his back end
would fall.  He would only walk from food to his blanket.
 
I felt him after he was gone.  His rib cage felt like it was less than
marshmallow inside, and the lower abdomen except for the huge tumor which
was about the size of a jar of Gerber baby food.  Just skin and bones
otherwise.  He was such a good boy!  Always kisses and glad to see me,
a true lap fert.  May he rest in peace!
 
Some had e-mailed me earlier when I originally posted that I was going to
help him cross the bridge, and I thank you for your feelings.  Again, I
waited to be sure it was the right thing to do, and in fact waited too
long, but feel ok about that.  Have three more to play with.  And life
goes on!
 
Gordon, Byte-me, Nibble-ed, and Kodo
[Posted in FML issue 3198]