Bear with me if I'm a bit quieter than normal for awhile.  Today I did the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire life.  We made the decision that it was time for my 18 year old Shih-tzu, Perry to head for Rainbow Bridge.  We made the trip to the vet, and came home with our arms and hearts empty.  I know it was for the best, but it still hurts so much.  We had him from the time he was only 8 weeks old.  18 years makes for a lot of memories.  I spent his last minutes with him, rubbing his ears, telling him how much I loved him, how sorry I was, how he was such a good old man.  I have spent the entire day crying nonstop.  He was so very arthritic, and his kidneys seemed to be failing him.  It was not an easy thing to do.  We had him cremated and plan to bury his ashes along with his collar, his favorite sqeaky gator toy, and a can of his favorite dog food, in his favorite sunny spot in the yard.  

R.I.P Perry.