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<title>Getting Ready to say Goodbye</title>
<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye</link>
<description>Dogster diary for the dog Abby</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Abby &amp; Dogster</copyright>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:35:49 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>Head in the Sand</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/655018</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:56:50 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/655018</guid>
		<description>I'm slowly realizing that I've been putting my head in the sand for the past 6 or 7 weeks. Playing o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm slowly realizing that I've been putting my head in the sand for the past 6 or 7 weeks. Playing ostrich.  I didn't want to cry anymore. It hurt too much.  So I just went numb.  Occasionally, the tears would come flying out, like someone opened the flood gates, but I managed to close them quickly.
I realize that I wasn't grieving, I was stopping myself from grieving.
I didn't put up the "Abby with Wings" images that Autumn and Putter and Hunter's pawrents had so lovingly made for us.  I didn't want to go to Dogster, because then I'd have to think about Abby and cry some more.  I didn't want to write a single word more for my book, 'cos it was too painful.
I forgot that tears are cleansing, that they need to come out, and that they will come out sooner or later (sometimes when you least expect them).
We miss you AbberDabbers, - you're forever in our hearts, and we know that you have oodles of Dogster pals to play with at TRB.
We've started barking whenever the doorbell rings, in your memory, girl.
Thanks to all our Dogster friends for their loving support.  We proudly display    "Abby with Wings".  Thanks Autumn, Thanks Putter, Thanks Hunter.   I hope we can give back  love and support just like all the love we've  received.  And I hope I've learned that crying is Good!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Learning to Let the Tears Flow</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/644487</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:33:21 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/644487</guid>
		<description>Today was a sad day for Dawn. She got Abby as a pup on Christmas Eve.  So we sat and watched our vid ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Today was a sad day for Dawn. She got Abby as a pup on Christmas Eve.  So we sat and watched our video a couple or ten times :-) and just bawled together.  It's been a strange month.  We light candles all the time for Abby, and we still have her bed in the same place with all her squeaky toys.  We just can't bear to take it away right now. And Dawn still barks every time the doorbell rings, to replace the Abby bark that isn't there any more.  I've just put a wall some of the time, 'cos it hurts so much to cry. But I know that letting the tears flow is the best thing to do. And here they come again.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The Tears Flow Freely</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/640809</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:09:44 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/640809</guid>
		<description>I picked up Abby's ashes this evening from the Vet's office. On the way back home,  I opened the win ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I picked up Abby's ashes this evening from the Vet's office. On the way back home,  I opened the window on the passenger side  'cos Abby always loved to put her nose out and let the wind just rush all over her face. When she got diagnosed with the osteosarcoma, the Vet said it wouldn't be good to take Abby for walks anymore , because it would put too much pressure on her leg (front), so I used to take her for a drive in the car every day.  I guess this was our last drive together. 

I know she's found lots of new friends at The Rainbow Bridge and I know she's not in pain anymore. And we miss her so much.  There's no-one to bark when someone is at the front door, and there's no waggy tail in the mornings.  And there's so many tears - I don't know where they all come from.

I haven't been able to go to Dogster until today, but I saw so many wonderful messages and so much love and support.  It really does mean so much to us.   Thank you.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>You Tube Video Link for Abby</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639127</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:57:47 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639127</guid>
		<description>Here's a link to a video that Dawn put together.  Hope you like it.
Cut and Paste and Enjoy.

htt ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Here's a link to a video that Dawn put together.  Hope you like it.
Cut and Paste and Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2faziAXqdJ4#watch-main-area]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>OOPs, Missed a Whole Bunch of Thankyous</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639124</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:48:08 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639124</guid>
		<description>AND.........
Quindred Spirit + Family; Buddy; Sandy Rascal +Angel Whiskey; Amber; Bailey; Angel Tut ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ AND.........
Quindred Spirit + Family; Buddy; Sandy Rascal +Angel Whiskey; Amber; Bailey; Angel Tutti; Winnie Joy; Raven + Family; Paco Kimber + Squeaker; Raoudi; Zoe + Cece; Cocoa + Rudie; Zoee + Chloee; Blackwell + Lexi; Tessa + Fitzcairn; NINJA;

Thank you ALL for such wonderful Warmth and Loving.  I can't tell you enough how much it gave us the will to handle the sadness. God Bless You.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Abby's At The Bridge</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639117</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:17:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639117</guid>
		<description>Quite simply, this was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. We spent the whole morning just lavi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Quite simply, this was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. We spent the whole morning just lavishing Lots of Love on Abby,  Big breakfast, lots of strokes and tummy rubs. Secretly, I was hoping that the Vet would not be able to make it.  However, she was there at Noon.  She validated for us that this was the best for Abby, that the cancer was just traveling throughout her body, and this was the supreme act of love from us.  She was amazed that Abby had lasted so long. - It's wonderful what the Power of Love can do. We know we did the right thing, but that didn't make it any easier.  And it was over so quickly.  That was probably for the best.
Now Abby is wagging her tail at all her new friends on Rainbow Bridge.

My friend Polly has given me some wonderful words of comfort.  She said:
"When people tell me they cannot stand losing a pet, I tell them that the Joy they bring us in life Far outweighs the grief we feel when they die.  That Joy is great indeed, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

It has also been comforting  to have the support of all our Dogster Pals - More than anything, they have helped us through this with their Love and Caring and Compassion: - Zaidie, Zoei, Simon's Dad Clive, Wyoming Cheyenne and Debbie, Augie, Autumn Angel & Mom, Austin & LouAnn,  JoJo Jolanda & Mom, Riley, Miss Honey Pie's Family, The Lafayette Little Rascals, Roxxie, Tater Tots, Gigi, Cherish, Kirby,  Tasha, Geordie, Teddy and Layla,  Tyler, K.C's Family, Blackie Angel Baby, Checkers, Doo, Girl Dog ExtraOrdinair, bobbi E + The Wolf House, Saphira + Family, Jet, Tramp, Rascal, Crystal, Mr. Barney "Paws", Kappa, Tucker Blu, Maggie Mouse, Coco and the Whole Caring Dogster Family. Love To You All.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Today's the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639057</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:46:23 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/639057</guid>
		<description>It's 10:30am and the Vet will be here at noon.  We know this is the right decision, but it still doe ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It's 10:30am and the Vet will be here at noon.  We know this is the right decision, but it still doesn't stop me from hoping the vet will have some kind of other emergency and won't be able to make it.
We were up super early and gave Abby a wonderful hamburger and scrambled eggs with her dry food.  She loved it.  She's beeen Miss Waggy Tail all morning. Everyone has been so supportive. Dawn's at peace with our decision, but we've both been streaming tears all morning.   I'm going  now - back to the tummy rubs :-)]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We Can Change Our Mind If We Want To!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/638533</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:22:47 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/638533</guid>
		<description>We just couldn't do it!  The Vet told us that when they took Abby away today, her body would just la ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We just couldn't do it!  The Vet told us that when they took Abby away today, her body would just lay on a cold slab until Monday, and that wasn't something we wanted to happen, so we told the vet to make it Monday.  We woke up and were feeling pretty numb to begin with, and then the reality sunk in, and we were just both bawling, and trying to comfort each other and reason out the situation - Pro's and Con's. - " She's  limping, so she must be in pain"; But she's got a good appetite, and she's pooping regularly"    She's had highly malignant cancer for over 9 months now" - But she''s so playful and full of life" and we went back and forth and then finally we couln't bear to think of her on a cold slab over the weekend, so we cancelled today's appointment.  
But Abby still got ham omelet for breakfast! - She loved it.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>The Time Has Come</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/638106</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:39:57 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/638106</guid>
		<description>Well, we made an appointment with the Vet to come here on Friday at Noon. Abby's legs crumbled last  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, we made an appointment with the Vet to come here on Friday at Noon. Abby's legs crumbled last night when she went to pee, and then she really didn't want to go back up the two small steps into the house.  We haven't seen " the look in the eyes", that people talked about, but Dawn ( Abby's Mom) says she knows it's time.  We can see the tumor breaking through her front leg, it's obviously very weak, and we definitely don't want her to cross the Bridge with a broken leg . 
We've had a wonderful extra nine months that the Vet is just amazed about.  It seems so crazy that we're crying so much before she's even gone.  She's so alert and playful.  The Vet said that we can change our mind, right up to the last minute.  This is so tough a decision to make.  I wonder if there are pet owners who feel that this is a decision they shouldn't make and they just let nature take it's course, despite the pain?  For us, we are sure that we don't want her to suffer, and we're sure that this will be an act of supreme love.  We just keep wanting "Just One More Day".]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Just One More Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/637000</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:09:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/637000</guid>
		<description>We cried and we thought and we cried and we thought and then we decided that since Abby can poop by  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We cried and we thought and we cried and we thought and then we decided that since Abby can poop by herself and has a great appetite, and just loves her new  Purple Platypus squeakie toy - Then maybe, just maybe, it's not quite time yet.  Everyone says she will tell us with her eyes, and she's just not saying that right now.  She's saying - "Where's my food" and "Let's play Ball".  So, we're going to wait until Monday to make the decision. And we're going to surround her with oodles of love .]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Can it really be NOW?</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/636782</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:14:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/636782</guid>
		<description>I feel so guilty because I've been rubbing Abby's tummy and her tailing is wagging madly and the tea ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I feel so guilty because I've been rubbing Abby's tummy and her tailing is wagging madly and the tears are streaming down my face, and I know we're at the time to make THE decision. She's been limping badly for a few days, and we really don't want her to suffer, and we really don't want her to go, and it really is time, and we don't want to make the decision, and we don't want her to suffer.  Oh, Dear it's so hard. We're going to call the vet later this morning.  The support from Dogster Pals has been awesome.  Thanks.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Coming Up on Her Halloween Barkday.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/631242</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:08:32 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/631242</guid>
		<description>Abby is still with us, and her Barkday is almost here - All Hallows Eve..  She'll be 13.  Abby is st ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Abby is still with us, and her Barkday is almost here - All Hallows Eve..  She'll be 13.  Abby is still so alert, so present, so adorable - we just can't think of calling the Vet in.  As long as she can walk, poop, eat, play and enjoy tummy rubs, and lick my broken foot to heal me..... We're not there yet for the  vet call.  I'm recovering from fractured heel surgery, and we limp outside together when she has to go, and I'm not ready to be put down yet, so we're hangin' in there for AbberDabbers - and we treasure each and every day.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>A Wake Up Call From The Vet</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/629276</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:58:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/629276</guid>
		<description>I called the vet today to find out what we should do if something happened with Abby at night or on  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I called the vet today to find out what we should do if something happened with Abby at night or on the weekend.  The vet called back later to give us her cell phone number and also to give us a prescription for a sedative, if we couldn't reach her.  She said that with Abby's cancer, six months after diagnosis was the maximum that she had ever seen because the cancer spreads so rapidly.  (Abby is now 8 months past the diagnosis).   The vet also said that the constant licking means that Abby is definitely in pain.  That's what is so hard for me to understand.  When Abby and our cat Spunky would play together, Spunky used to bat Abby on her nose and sometimes nicked her with a claw.  Abby would squeal a bit.  That to me was pain being expressed.  Now, there is no sound.  How can that mean she is in pain? The vet suggested very gently to us that we decide on a date and give her 48 hours notice.  She also said that Abby's appetite probably would never go away because of her Cushings disease.  I have been thinking that the appetite meant she was still OK.  I haven't seen Abby tell me that it's time yet.    Is she staying on because she knows we don't want to let her go?   Just One More Day.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>It's All About The Love</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/627476</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:35:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/627476</guid>
		<description>Yesterday was freaky.  Abby probably got a bite on her nose from either a spider or a wasp, 'cos it  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Yesterday was freaky.  Abby probably got a bite on her nose from either a spider or a wasp, 'cos it swelled up later and she was trying to rub it all the time. I knew something was very wrong by her agitation. She calmed down later in the day.  However, we realize that the decision has to be made soon. She has a couple of big tumors near her neck, she has tumors in her front paws, she itches her haunches a lot and she wheezes a bit now. We now the cancer progresses, yet she can walk out side, she has a good appetite still and she still rolls over for her tummy rubs.  The tough part is that she really can't tell us just how much pain she is in.  We're getting close, but I now understand so much of what I've read in other Diaries. Everyone wants Just One More Day. My task is to realize that loving her is also about letting her go.  That's so hard.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Oh Gosh, Not Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/627244</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:22:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/627244</guid>
		<description>I took Abby out this morning to poop, she pooped  and then  she just sort of put her butt down on th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I took Abby out this morning to poop, she pooped  and then  she just sort of put her butt down on the sidewalk and vegged out. That was unusual. Especially with the Cushings, food / breakfast is All Important.  After about 5 minutes, she got up and came in for her food.  I gave her  the Zubrin medication ( 2 tablets instead of the          1-1/2 that we'd given her before).  She took the meds and then breakfast.  She ate it all, which indicated good appetite.  But then, she was very itchy on both sides, and agitated, just walking around, following me everywhere, licking rubbing scratching.   That was a few hours ago, and she's calmed down a bit now, but Dawn, my wife, says that it's time.  She said that Abby told her last night.  Of course, I'm asking for one more day. "It's Sunday, the Vet is not available".  We've had lots of tears, and we're just going to see how the day goes.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Counting Down The Days</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/626405</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 7 Oct 2009 17:16:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/626405</guid>
		<description>We're getting close to having to call the Vet in.  (We've decided that we want Abby to cross the Bri ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We're getting close to having to call the Vet in.  (We've decided that we want Abby to cross the Bridge here at home). She's licking her paws a lot more, her right front paw is swollen with a tumor (the original tumor was on her left paw), she's drinking like there's a drought (from the Cushings)and she's limping noticeably.  We increased her Zubrin anti-inflammatory to 2 x 200mg tablets to help with the pain.
Yet she can still walk herself out to poop, still has an appetite and still wants to play. The research I've done seems to come down to - Is she having more good days than bad days?  Well, - we don't want her to have bad days. We don't want her to suffer. And our biggest fear is that her leg will break and cause her needless pain. The good thing is that she still wants and loves her tummy rubs, still plays with her squeakers and still wants to try and stuff 3 tennis balls into her mouth. (Still can do only 2 !).
Is it crazy that I'm crying and she 's still here?
 Isn't the crying supposed to be after she's gone? 
 I guess I know the time's coming,.....and that's why I'm determined to make sure that she goes just surrounded with oodles of love. The Dogster support is just awesome. It helps so much. We're waiting for her to tell us when.          
Just one more day,...... please.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Autumn Leaves start to fall</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/623098</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:07:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/623098</guid>
		<description>...and our Vet is amazed that Abby is still with us.  She's a fighter!  She's licking her paws a lot ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ ...and our Vet is amazed that Abby is still with us.  She's a fighter!  She's licking her paws a lot more, which is the standard sign of pain, so my wife and I are having more and more discussions on when it's time. No-one wants to cause pain to their pet, and we all want as much time with them as we can.  Gossh,this is so difficult, and yet,  it is so wonderful to see her each morning, just a-wagging that tail like crazy.  Her appetite is great, she can walk outside to poop, so we're taking each day at a time, and being so thankful for it. Just One More Day, oh pleez, oh pleez.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Your Support Touches our Heart.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/619608</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 7 Sep 2009 23:32:34 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/619608</guid>
		<description>Wow, we have been overwhelmed with letters of support, Pup Pal requests, Rosettes, Stars and all kin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wow, we have been overwhelmed with letters of support, Pup Pal requests, Rosettes, Stars and all kinds of Gifts and Comments.  This is just so wonderful. This support is exactly what we needed, and is so much appreciated.  What a wonderful community this is. There is so much Love going around here. Can't thank you all enough. I want to answer everyone.
Abby has Cushings as well as osteosarcoma, so she's always hungry and thirsty, and obviously spends a lot more time wanting to go take care of business. The good thing is that she still can do it all on her own. (If anyone has a dog with Cushings and wants more info, I have an over 100 pagee-book  that I will be happy to share. It was very informative, and has good holistic remedies.)
Abby still wants to play her favorite game which is "Try to Take My Squeaky Toy Outta My Mouth If You Can" - and we never can 'cos she's tooo quick for us. She still tries to stuff 2 tennis balls in her mouth at one time, and she still plays waggy tail like crazy.  I don't think it's time yet, but her eyes are definitely losing the sparkle she once had.  "Just One More Day",..please.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Wow, we're on Doggie Cloud Nine!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/618431</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Sep 2009 01:23:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/618431</guid>
		<description>Dogster just named Abby - &quot; Dog of the Day&quot;.  What a Huge Honor! Abby's tail hasn't stopped wagging  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Dogster just named Abby - " Dog of the Day".  What a Huge Honor! Abby's tail hasn't stopped wagging since I told her.  This just really lifts our spirits, especially since Abby's time is drawing to a close.  It's now September and our vet, who is a really wonderful, compassionate lady, didn't think Abby would stay around past April.  It's amazing what lots of love and tummy rubs can do.  We still don't know really How to Tell When It's Time.  We're just going day by day. Lots of people tell us that Abby will let us know with her eyes.  Right now her eyes just say " More Food, Please".
I'm now half way through writing a book on knowing when it's time.  It's going to be a "Chicken Soup" type book, and so if anyone has stories on how THEY knew it was time, and would like to share, please write me at geoff@azuradawn.com
I'd love to include all the stories I can. Thanks for reading the diary, and thanks everyone for all the support.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>And the  Days Dwindle Down</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/617575</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:14:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/617575</guid>
		<description>I just heard that Clive's beautiful Wheaton Terrier Simon crossed over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just heard that Clive's beautiful Wheaton Terrier Simon crossed over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday and my heart is heavy.  So many people have to face this loss every day, have to make the decision to call the vet every day, - it's so sad.  But the joy our pets give us, it  so totally outweighs the eventual grief.
Abby is still with us. Every morning her tail wags as I give her the first morning tummy rub.  We're spoiling her rotten with treats and she's shedding a lot now (more so than usual), but she still has a good appetite, can walk outside and just Loves her new squeaky toy. So we're enjoying every precious day with her.
Just One More Day, ........Please.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Just One More Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/614213</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:54:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/614213</guid>
		<description>Well, here we are at the middle of the month, and that's almost 6 months since D-Day (diagnosis day! ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, here we are at the middle of the month, and that's almost 6 months since D-Day (diagnosis day!). I treasure every new day with Abby, and I'm noticing how easy it is for me now to let the tears flow at the thought of losing her. Maybe if I get all the tears out now, there won't be any left later, and it won't be so painful.  She's definitely slowing down, but still wants to play, and still can walk outside herself.  Her eyes do look a little sadder though.  Just One More Day...... please....]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Day By day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/610539</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 1 Aug 2009 11:13:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/610539</guid>
		<description>We saw the vet again yesterday, and she said that she was amazed that Abby is still with us fivemont ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We saw the vet again yesterday, and she said that she was amazed that Abby is still with us fivemonths later. She thought maybe two months.  We are so glad that she is still with us. She's licking her paws a lot and the vet says that that is an indication of pain. We don't want her to be in pain or to suffer. Yet she  seems so full of life. She wags her tail like crazy when she sees us in the morning. She has a great appetite (though Cushings disease plays a part in that). She is continent and regular and she can walk herself. And she wants to play with her squeaker toys. So how do we know when it's time? How do we know that it's US being selfish and wanting one more day?]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Counting Down the Days</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/608771</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:12:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Abby ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1016129/diary/Getting_ready_to_say_goodbye/608771</guid>
		<description>July 26, '09.  It's now just over 5 months since we took Abby to the vet to have her limp looked at. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ July 26, '09.  It's now just over 5 months since we took Abby to the vet to have her limp looked at. (We thought it was a pinched nerve). The vet called us right back and said come back in immediately. The x-rays showed osteosarcoma in right front paw. The vet said it was highly malignant and she could put Abby to sleep right away.  We said "No Way, Not Today!" and we've had a wonderful time together since. She's slowing down and licking both paws now quite a bit, but she still has that waggy tail, and she still wants to play with the squeaky toys.  How do we know when it's time?]]></content:encoded>
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