R.I.P. Rip

Ripley Louise McConnel

5.14.05 - 7.1.22

We knew it was coming for a long time now - I think for at least the last year and a half we had assumed she wouldn't last too much longer, she had just turned 17 in May after all. She would have bad day, but then rally. In day at the end of June she just went downhill quickly, and the appointment was made. I never wanted to have to make that decision, but Todd was more realistic about it than me. Nana and Poppa came to say goodbye. She got lots of extra rubs and treats.

Todd's cousin, also our vet, was able to come out the next day, so we didn't have long to think about it - but Todd and I felt absolutely sick that last day. I was worried that she would be able to sense that something was up, but she seemed not to. She laid in her usual spot on our bedroom floor and kept an eye on things. When Dan came she greeted him happily. They gave her the first shot to make her sleepy and she didn't even cry. It must've set in very quickly because she trotted right back to her kennel to lay down and I pulled her out so we could hold her and pet her until she fell asleep. She was so soft and snuggly.

Then they gave her the second shot, and in a few more minutes it was over. We put her into a cozy box and drove straight out to Steve and Linda's where a plot was waiting for her in the garden. They had even made a cross to mark her spot, and put a bench nearby so we could sit and visit her. 

There were many many tears. We will love her and miss her forever.

Good dog, Ripley.