Sandee, Smokey came to me just over one year ago. My Rockey had lost his friend, Oscar, a DEW and I wanted him to have another friend. A friend of a friend had a sister who had a pair and a single she could no longer care for. Smokey, a beautiful sable did not get along with Snicker and Timber as he had lost his brother in fur only recently and was hostile to the other two. Of course I came away with all three. From the beginning Smokey was a loner. On reflection, he was probably ill from the first. Even if I had known this, it would not have changed things. I would still have taken and loved him. Last July, he had a spleenectomy and recovered well. He ran and played and happy. Then in January, he was losing weight and energy. He stayed by himself again. The awful reason was soon clear; Smokey had lymphoma. I did not want chemo but wanted him as comfortable as possible. He was treated with Prednisilone, Lasix and pain meds as needed. We spent many evenings with him on my chest and his head on my shoulder so he could breath better. Sometimes we fell asleep like that. On Thursday, March 11th, his breathing was harsh. The pain med helped. I awoke on and off that night. I told him of the Rainbow Bridge so he would know where he was. I also told him how much I loved him and he could go whenever he was ready. Before I left for work, I tucked him in his tent. He looked so comfortable and content! Three hours later I just HAD to leave work. When I got home, he was gone, curled up in his tent and at peace finally. I know he is there and can RUN again and his fur is thick and beautiful again. He loved his Ferretone and cantaloupe and watermelon. I don't know his friend's name but Oscar, who I KNOW can hear now can be his brother in fur. With his health restored, he can tumble and play. Tell him I love him and will see him again someday. I hope I did the best for him. Although, I miss him, I know he is happier and at peace now. Wish him joy and FUN. Thank you for your good work. It means so much to those who lose our dearest friends. Olivia Books just wanna be FREE! See what I mean at: http://bookcrossing.con/friend/eyeinfbi [Posted in FML issue 4456]