Sandra Hodges
Very beautiful article.
I am a canine hydrotherapist in Cincinnati. Two years ago I was working with Keno a GSD who had degenerative myelopathy. When she lost her ability to walk, she regained confidence and much happiness when swimming. Her owner, Vicki, brought her to swim 2x a week for about a year. Vicki said she could never make the decision put her down. She often said a perfect day would be for Keno to swim and then pass on her own. Keno listened... One day Vicki brought her to swim but Keno seemed different and it was clear she wasn't feeling well. We put her in the pool and she chased her toy a few times but that day the session was cut a little short. Later that evening Vicki called and said after they got home Keno laid down in her usual place and Vicki laid beside her and she died in her arms. She died on Valentine's Day. I got very attached to Keno and I tear up just telling this story.