Hi all,

With heavy heart I write with news that heaven has gained one more doggy angel today.

Cheyenne began to vomit about 4 days ago, I took her to the doctor yesterday for an x-ray and it revealed a mass in her abdomen. We took her today for an ultrasound and found she had a 2 inch tumor wrapped around her intestine that was obstructing outflow from the stomach just at the valve... along with that the ultrasound revealed nodules and signs of cancer in many lymph nodes, her liver and spleen.. all suggestive of carcinoma. We knew she had a malignant tumor removed from her mammary glands at the time we brought her home.. she was given 3-4 months to live at that time given the fact that the tumor was so big and on her for so long. She was a breeder dog kept in a shed and was also 12 years old. We adopted her last December 23.

So, we were faced with letting Cheyenne go now, she could not keep food down, but her tail never stopped wagging. Our veterinarian came to our house and all together with our other dogs we held her, sedated her and set her free. It's very quiet around here and different.

Warmly, Susan, Tim, Doshko, Forrest and Brie

12/6/2009

You were truly a Christmas present for me, and loved you from the first time I comforted you through your recovery. I knew we would have short time together, and so we made the best of them. You were the very definition of kindness, and true to your golden nature you loved people first. You were my first golden girl, perhaps the only one I will ever know, and you touched me in ways I cannot still begin to describe.

What I learned from you:

- Live every day like it is your last. Enjoy every precious moment you can.

- Be happy no matter what. If you are in pain, don't show it.

- When cheese or eggs are around, you make sure you are too. You never know when you might get a scrap.

- Always be submissive and kind. DO not threaten, but seek to gain favor. If your name is called, it could be good or could be bad, so just respond and see.

- All the toys belong to you. Even ones that were here when you arrived. Who knew? And be patient but firm with those who might take them. Wait for your turn and then transport them to a safe spot.

- Toys need fresh air too. Take them outside whenever possible.

- Find a safe spot to call your own. A distant spot in the loft, or a bed of leaves under a bush in the yard. Just somewhere that is yours alone.

- After breakfast and a visit outside roll around on the couch. It will set the tone for the day. And let everyone within earshot know of your happiness.

- Avoid thunderstorms at all costs. Hide wherever darkness can envelope you, even if it is under the headboard and requires moving the bed to extricate you.

- Give kisses to everyone - they will come back for more.

- And most of all learn to wiggle your butt instead of wagging your tail. Your tail will follow in the opposite direction, and far more forcefully than a simple wag. If you roll your big brown eyes and wiggle your butt, you will generate enough heat to melt your pop's heart.

And that is what you did. I will always love you and miss the touch of your coat, and the softness of your tongue. And you will always be my wiggle-butt.

Love,

Your Pop