Overboard by Chip Dunham for December 01, 2018

Louie’s happy because it’s raining Doritos. (Triangular snowflakes? Ye canna change the laws of physics, Chip!)

I have been wanting to share this letter with you for some time. With Chip’s consent I will do so now. I will not comment on the letter but warmly welcome any response. Thanks .“Dear Dr. McC. My wife and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude. The manner in which you conducted yourself as you administered the merciful euthanasia to our beloved dog Sugar was marked by compassion, empathy, respect and most of all a spirit of gentleness. To choose to end of the life of a pet who had become a genuine part of our family was one of the most difficult, painful, and heart wrenching decisions we had ever been forced to make. To have prolonged Sugar’s life through further treatment would have been a selfish act on our part. It was our love for her that we consented that she be euthanized. Ending her suffering was the utmost desire we had despite the emotional pain and grief we would feel.We will always be thankful for everything you did for us, the manner in which you carried out your professional duties and most of all we felt that we were with a friend who was by our sides as Sugar passed away in our arms.We have enclosed a photo of Sugar. We will always love her and am missing her dearly. I want you to know that we will not hesitate to give to others a positive testimony of how you and your staff helped enable us to get through one of our darkest moments and please accept a “hug” from us. It is indeed coming straight from our hearts." M&LC I know that a new month is upon us now and this is a sad piece of writing but there are so many pet lovers here whether dogs, cats, or others animals that, unfortunately will identify with my words. I just want to say that you are in my heart as you read this letter.

I am glad someone is happy to see snow!!! the only snow that makes me happy is Snow Sez!!!

Ah yes, daughter’s black Lab died in their arms in October and their yellow Lab one year younger never knew life without her friend. Yes, she so misses him, seems sad now.

We don’t get snow on the beach here often enough for me to take a dislike to it.

It’s kinda neat, if you think about it.

Surf, Sand, & Snow.

I love big old Nate. He’s like everybody’s favorite uncle! :-)

As Tom T. Hall wrote – “Old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes…”

I like Overboard. I read it every day. However, I loved Overboard before it became an animal strip.

The Dog and the Water Lily. No Fableby William Cowper

The noon was shady, and soft airsSwept Ouse’s silent tide,When, ‘scaped from literary cares,I wander’d on his side.My spaniel, prettiest of his race,And high in pedigree(Two nymphs adorn’d with every graceThat spaniel found for me),Now wanton’d lost in flags and reeds,Now starting into sight,Pursued the swallow o’er the meadsWith scarce a slower flight.It was the time when Ouse display’dHis lilies newly blown;Their beauties I intent survey’d,And one I wish’d my own.With cane extended far I soughtTo steer it close to land;But still the prize, though nearly caught,Escaped my eager hand.Beau mark’d my unsuccessful painsWith fix’d considerate face,And puzzling set his puppy brainsTo comprehend the case.But with a cherup clear and strongDispersing all his dream,I thence withdrew, and follow’d longThe windings of the stream.My ramble ended, I return’d;Beau, trotting far before,The floating wreath again discern’d,And plunging, left the shore.I saw him with that lily cropp’dImpatient swim to meetMy quick approach, and soon he dropp’dThe treasure at my feet.Charm’d with the sight, the world, I cried,Shall hear of this thy deed:My dog shall mortify the prideOf man’s superior breed:But chief myself I will enjoin,Awake at duty’s call,To show a love as prompt as thineTo Him who gives me all.

Personally, I’m definitely with “Two Legs” on this one. How long until spring and summer again?

My sympathies to those involved in the letter shared by MikeyJay. I’m sure this decision was tough, but in the long run, I hope it was in the best interests of both pet and owner(s).

Good Evening, Crew.