We just lost our beloved Shih Tzu, Charlie, last Tuesday. Charlie was 13 years old and suffered from kidney disease. We adopted Charlie 1.5 years ago from a relative's friend who was going into a nursing home and could not care for him any longer. I've had dogs most of my life, but Charlie was the sweetest and funniest dog I've ever had. He loved to be scratched behind his ears. Charlie even "purred" as he lay on the couch while being petted. Sometimes, while standing, he'd swing his hips gently from side to side, gently hitting one side against against the furniture leg, ready to play. But the funniest thing of all was when Charlie surprised us by dancing the cha-cha-cha with my daughter. Did someone teach him that or was that just part of his wonderful nature? We'll probably never know.
In the end, despite continuous care and treatmentl, Charlie sucummed to kidney disease. He had seven seizures in less than eight hours. The vet said his kidneys had failed and there was no hope. He was suffering so much. It was time to let him go. He died in my arms.
The pain is still fresh. It has been really, really hard for us to lose Charlie. He brought so much love and joy into our lives. I hope he knows how much we still love him.
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