I held you in my arms today as the vet inserted the syringe into your IV line and sent the green fluid into your vein. You were gone so fast, I didn't even feel your life slipping away.

You were mine. Your life was entrusted to me by someone who didn't care enough to ensure your life would be good, but only thought of her own financial gain. I loved you like you were more than just my dog, I loved you like you were a child.

Even when you were bad - and you were very bad sometimes - I loved you. It made me even more angry that you were so bad because I loved you so much.

Even though I knew today would be your last day, I invited you up onto my bed to sleep at my feet one last time. We wrestled for blankets one last time, you licked my hand until it was numb one last time. You nuzzled me as I cried myself to sleep, alone. You woke me up with your cold wet nose this morning, one last time, and asked to go outside.

I was very conscious that the breakfast I scooped out for you this morning would be your last, and even though, I maintained a healthy serving for you. I scolded you when you cried in the car on the way to the vet. I wanted everything to seem normal.

I sat down on the spotless floor in the examination room and let you lick my face, and I think you knew. But you came into my arms willingly, a final trusting act. I doubt you knew that there was something wrong with you, and I doubt you knew that I was doing what was best for you. You just came into my arms, easily trusting that I was your Mum and I wanted to hold you while the vet saw to you.

It was over so fast that I didn't say goodbye. I thought I would have longer. So goodbye Hank. I hope your mind is at ease and your heart is at peace.