We recently experienced our own encounter with trauma of pet loss.  In this case it seems we've been lucky to have a reprieve. Our 12 year old Border Collie, Dixie (shown above), became seriously lame in her back legs... first one and then the other... without any apparent injury. 

The next ten days took us on a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs trying to diagnose the problem and make the right decisions.  We agonized as we watched this independent stoic spirit struggle to stand when she couldn't.  We had to come to terms with the fact that we were losing her.  We couldn't prolong her suffering if there could be no reasonably good outcome. Each day we carried that deep anguish in the pit of our stomachs.  When and how would we make the right decision? 

This experience surely heightened our awareness of the pain each of our customers must be feeling.  So now, as we prepare our shipments, there is a a deepened sensitivity to the reality of why we are here and what we hope to provide to others who are coping with pet loss.

Update on Dixie (5/02/08)
We are fortunate to still have Dixie with us.  Her hypercalcemia was being caused by a parathyroid tumor. She had surgery to remove the tumor and careful follow up of her blood calcium. She goes back for a checkup and blood test on Monday to see if her system has begun to produce the appropriate amount of hormone for a normal Calcium level. We are so grateful every day to look into her bright eyes.