Lacey took the leap

We reminded Lacey of how she used to LEAP off the dock and go flying out onto the water, ears flying, all four paws spread out like "OK here I come, the world's bravest dog!" landing belly-flat with a big splash! We'd laugh and whoop and jump in with her. Once she was chasing a duck that kept swimming out beyond her reach, slowing so she could catch up, then taking off with another wing-flapping, water-churning burst of speed. We waited for Lacey to give up, but she didn't, and Chuck had to go after her in the power boat.

Nancy went to the vet to get sedation pills, because Lacey was having trouble breathing and could not move. Thank you, Nancy. Wendy called and told Lacey stories about how much we love her, and her tail wagged. Chuck called to talk with her, and her tail wagged! Granddad came home from doing errands, and her tail wagged. The wonderful home-visit vet came, and her tail wagged! She was peaceful and happy, not in pain, and she looked so beautiful because she went to the groomer last week. Dr. McMillan confirmed that it was time. Her lungs were bad, and she was bloated. Imagine being so sick, and still wagging her tail! Dr. McMillan administered barbiturates, enough to stop her heart gently. Granddad was stroking her head, Sierra was nearby, I rubbed her tummy. She knew we were all there. We said, "Go on Lacey, jump off the dock my girl." And we pictured her flying bravely off into the great unknown.

The wonderful Dr. asked us if we needed time to say goodbye, said she would wait outside in the van as long as we needed. I was very touched by that. She had left her office during clinic to be with Lacey. I told her we wouldn't need much time, that we have been saying goodbye for a month. Thank you Lacey for waking up from the surgery and giving us this time. We really needed it, you knew that. Now go Lacey girl, jump off the dock!