Goodbye, old girl

We knew that one day, it would be time to let you go. I think I always knew we'd have to be the ones to do it, because you would never leave us on your own, no matter how much you hurt or how hard each day got.

We grew up with you, playing hard in our youth and taking it easy as we aged. And although I always knew on some level it would have to happen, I never fully anticipated what it would mean when you moved on without us, when we'd owe it to you to say goodbye.

You were a good, loyal dog, and as much a member of our family as any of we are. Thank you for being our protector and our friend. We love you and we will miss you.

Sleep well, Mat. We'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge.