Hi everyone. I write this blog tonight through tears so forgive me if the grammar is off a bit. I may be losing my dog. My friend Ruby has been in my life for 16 years....that's right.....16 years. Crazy, huh? I rescued her from the SPCA in Fredericksburg in the spring of 95 when she was a young puppy. She has "outlived" lovers, friends, jobs, houses, and all the changes both good and bad that occur in life over a period that long. She witnessed my college graduation, my divorce, the birth of my daughter, and the beginning and end of my relationship with who I thought was the love of my life....she was always there...no matter what. She never judged me...never held grudges..kissed my face while I cried over the little tragedies life threw at me...and loved me unconditionally no matter how much of a jerk I was being..and always made me feel special. I owe her so much. The amount of happiness she brought me over the years is immeasurable. I am coming to the point where I have to decide to let her go..and it is killing me. She has survived and been through so much. A bout with breast cancer, a tumor removed from her mouth 3 times because it kept growing back, countless injuries and near death from a lump removal....and through it all remained tough as nails and gentle as a butterfly. She never harmed anyone, always the most angelic soul I had ever encountered. I will miss her terribly. This afternoon she began shaking and acting disoriented. She fell in the kitchen and could not get up on her own. I am taking her to see my vet tomorrow morning to see what they recommend. I do not want her to suffer....she doesn't deserve that. I am hoping for a miracle...but if I can't get one..at least I will know that she had a great life....she knew she was loved and cherished....and she will never be forgotten. I love you Red!! My special friend...if tomorrow is your time I will miss you my sweet girl

 *update 1:40 am....just got back from the emergency hospital. She died in my arms. The last thing she did was lick the tears from my face. I will miss you my dearest friend