Hello all. I had said that Josie was going to the vet on Friday and likely helped to cross the bridge. Well, we didn't make it to Friday. Just after supper last night I picked her up to feed her and blood just gushed out of her bottom. It looked like something had burst inside her. She still didn't seem in any pain but her entire back end was now paralysed. She looked up and around in such an alert fashion it was unbelievable. There was no going to a vet at this point of the day so what do we do. If we waited until morning she could be in great pain. We did feel with certainty that it was time for Josie to go so we decided the only option was to give her an adult sleeping pill (no flames please - don't dare criticize uless you have walked where we've walked). She soon went into a deep sleep, in such a deep sleep that she was in this sleeping but not dead syndrome. After an hour I finally put her down on the bed wondering how long this was going to take. I would be a sleep long before this so she should be dead. Two hours later, still breathing. Three hours later, still breathing. We went to bed and put her in her cage. First thing in the morning Cam says to me "You better go and give Josie a drink because she is probably pretty thirsty." I said "Is she made of iron or what?" I went up and she is up gawking around (head only, most of the rest of her was still paralysed), wide awake and alert and seemingly happy. All we managed to do is give her a really good night sleep. Then we had to make the decision all over again. What now. We had said our goodbyes, etc. She was still paralysed, her tummy was still huge, but not as blue looking, she hadn't gone to the bathroom for over 12 hours, she could possibly be in serious pain before very long. So this morning Cam took Josie to the vet and now she is with her Buddy and I sure hope Skeeter is there greeting them and showing them the ropes. Take care my beautiful little Josie. We love you very much. Thank you for being such a wonderful sweet little babe. Tryntje Miller. [Posted in FML issue 2647]