That horrible day finally came for our Bella yesterday. She was two months shy of her 16th birthday, but here she is in her past glory, before neck surgery and time left her scarred and tired (but still feisty enough to steal your chicken if you weren't careful.)
Bella had slowed down considerably this past summer and about 5 weeks ago something happened (we think maybe a stroke or a brain tumor that got big enough to cause neurological issues) and she started head pressing, wandering into corners, etc. We put her on special food and supplements to help with cognitive function but she was clearly never quite herself these past 5 weeks or so.
Night before last she slept with us in the bed and yesterday morning she was cuddled up with my wife. She didn't want to go out to the bathroom so she tried to hide under the covers. I ran her out and she trotted around the yard and even dug in the dirt a little. She came inside and had her breakfast, although slower than she used to, like everything else these past few weeks. After going back out again she went into her puppy pocket in her crate, which was pretty much her favorite place to be, ever, and she settled down and went to sleep.
I went up to my office and began my normal work routine. When I came down to let the dogs out around 2 p.m. she was gone. She was still in her puppy pocket. Her body was still warm, but she had slipped away a couple of hours before most likely. She simply went to sleep yesterday and just didn't wake up again.
I already miss her so much. She was always the alpha, the queen bee, and now there is a void, even with the other dogs in the house.
I'm glad she went peacefully and with no prolonged illness, and I am thrilled she was in my life for nearly 16 years as a constant, great friend. But damn do I miss her already...