[nagdu] and so soon they leave us!

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Hello all,

I must say that this week did not start off well.  My Goldador Merry, who
will be 12 on St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6, was diagnosed this morning with bone
cancer.  She has been limping off and on for the past few months, but always
rallied.  She worked beautifully at national convention.  But her limping
became so bad during the past two weeks that she is basically walking on
three legs.

The vet has prescribed lots more pain medication.  I'll do my best to make
her comfortable and I hope we can have a few more   happy times together
before we have to say goodbye.  She's been a wonderful guide, and such a
precious spirit.  Thankfully the years of joy they bring us outweigh the
incredibly sad time of pain and parting.  All who have or have had guide
dogs or pets know of what I speak!

I hope you'll keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through
this dark time.

Sherrill and guide dog Merry