Saying Goodbye to an old friend

Tonight I am sleeping with my old dog.  She is 16 years old and I knew the day was coming when we were going to have to say goodbye.  Today and tonight are those times.  Hannah is resting now, but her legs are no longer moving and she has quit eating and drinking.  She looks so peaceful.  Her breathing is smooth and even.  She does not seem to be in any pain unless you touch her somewhere on her legs.  I have shed tears for several hours, but am now coming to terms with what I know tomorrow will bring.

Life has a beginning and an end here on earth.  Do dogs go to heaven?  I sure hope so because Hannah had a rough beginning.  She was nothing but skin and bones, covered in fleas and ticks, but there was just something about her when she hopped into my mom's car 15 years ago.  She sat there as if she knew this was the family that would be hers and she immediately became a part of it.  While she did live with my mom, we live 3 houses away and all our pets are part of both houses.  My mom is currently on deployment with the Red Cross in southern California near Mexico because of the earthquakes.  She is shedding many tears tonight too.

Hannah you will forever be in our hearts.