Atlas is gone now.

Blood test showed his kidneys were starting to fail and that his liver levels were elevated. To help with kidney issues normally they take an animal off of pain meds. Wasn't going to happen here. Pain meds are what kept him going at all.

So this morning, Tom and I took Atlas to be put to sleep. It's such a quick process that it is hard to grasp.

Last night Atlas killed a possum in the back yard. He hasn't done that for a while.

Now he is gone, pain-free. I'm glad he was part of our lives for as long as he was. He leaves a big space that his huge heart filled. Tom and I know it will get better but we are grieving now, as we should. He was anawesomely good dog and our loyal friend and companion.

Thank you all for your heartfelt compassion and sympathy. My heart goes out to all pet lovers who have had to release a friend. It's a hard choice but we all know when it is time.

Thanks for being there and listening.