Keep Your Promises and Uphold a Higher Moral Standard

Sooki

My beautiful, funny and loving, trusty dog and companion passed on to other adventures yesterday.  Sooki succumbed to neurologic complications from a chondrosarcoma in her left nasal cavity.  She was a little over 15 years of age and very active until her last 24 hours with me.
Sooki had a big job...she had to take a neanderthal human like me and mold me into the two-legged version of herself...a beautiful, funny, loving, generous and smart Golden Retriever.  I can't say she was 100% successful, but she managed to keep me out of trouble and tow the line for the 13 or so years we were together.  Sooki even humored me and became an official therapy dog when I needed some help in my clinic.  All she really had to do was show up to work - there wasn't a person she met who didn't like her.  Sooki stuck around until she was certain I would be looked after and loved by another human.  She guided me to someone who proved to her that I would never be on my own...I would have a life companion to fill her shoes.
In return for her unconditional love and friendship, I promised her I'd never allow her to suffer or linger should she ever become ill.  Yesterday, I stepped up to the plate and made good on my promise to her.  I had the honor of holding her in my arms and allowing her to go with the dignity she always possessed. 
I know that wherever she's decided to run off to, she's most likely already 'running the show' and bossing everyone around as is her habit.
Sooki wouln't want anyone to be sad...it wasn't her style.  So, if anyone who knew her would like to share funny stories of our favorite Nurse Dog, feel free.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Respect, honor, and hold true your promises to the ones you love.  When you are loved and cherished, pass it back 10 fold; and as much as we would like to hold onto the ones we love - let them go and allow the winds of love to dance between you.
And Sooki...thank you for everything.  I'll be seeing you sometime in my future...save me some cookies.

The office will be closed and reopen Monday August 2nd, for all scheduled appointments.  All telephone calls and emails will be answered at that time.