This will be the last entry in the Chasing Scat thread. This morning I took Bear for his last walk. The vet has advised he is full of cancer and pain and the best option is to put him down, if you can call that an option.
As we walked I treasured every second of the activity, trying to imprint the experience into my memory so I will be able to walk with him in the days to come. Bear has been with us for just over eleven years, from weaning and right until the end. He has relied on us to keep him safe, feed him, play with him, teach him, comfort him, love him and be his friend. In return, he has brought us a true picture of loyalty, trust and love. My life has been richer because he has been part of it. He has left me with a legacy to try to live up to, to have the same effect on at least one other person. I hope I am up to the challenge.
Now Bear relies on us to give him peace. This is the thought that we have to sustain us through our final activity with him, an act that feels so much like betrayal.
Goodbye my very good friend