This is one of many times we've had to explain our troubles with Hunter, needless to say our situation isn't getting any better. After keeping our stories confidential the last little while, I've planned to euthanize Hunter 2 times, this being the third. Last Monday, I made the call to the vets', the call you dread for their entire life and finally realize it couldn't have approached any sooner. We arranged Hunter's departure for Tuesday, being crippled and having no state of well being or enjoyment. The next day, I woke up to that beautiful bark of hers at 3:45 am. Hunter runs her own breakfast schedule! We endured on our daily routine as I sobbed and poured my heart out about the most incredible 15 years she provided myself and so many others with. I told her all about her puppy memories, from courageously hopping on top of sleds in the winter and gliding down the hill to proudly romping in the bush to go for a hunt. I went to the food room, prepared her meal and her half a dozen meds, and took her outside to indulge. As I looked into her chocolate brown eyes, my heart melted. Was this really the day I say goodbye to the most incredible companion? For the longest time, I wished Hunter passed on into God's hands in her sleep, peacefully and without a gesture that seemed so inhumane to me, euthanasia. I broke down, hardly able to contain myself. There was some kind of rage or fire that just poured out of me with screaming and crying. I slowly gazed up and watched as Hunter completed a full lap around the backyard without any assistance. My eyes widened, this hasn't happened for an entire year. She trotted, sniffing every grain of grass, every flower in sight. She returned to my side and rested her head on my lap. When people say "stop and smell the roses", this was one of those moments. She was telling me, "God might want me in heaven, but I'm not ready to leave yet." I called the vet later that day and cancelled the procedure. Anyone who owns an old dog may understand my difficulties. This being my first dog, it's so gut-wrenching to let them go. I wouldn't ever traded any moment with her for the world. I love Hunter. Her legacy lives forever. #huntersbark