Rest in Peace my "sister"

Essie has gotten progressively worse. Her chances of surviving are dismal. My dad is on his way to say good-bye to her as I write this. My mom is working and has chosen to stay there.

Essie was ultimately diagnosed with Leptospirosis. It is a deadly bacteria that is transmitted by either rodents or can be found in stagnant water. It is becoming more prevalent and there is a vaccine for it. Please have your pets vaccinated for this as it is a life threatening disease that wrecks havoc on the body.

I sit here knowing in my heart that I didn't do anything wrong while I was watching Essie for the past week but I still feel a sense of guilt.

Essie was a very gentle and loving dog. My parents had lost their beloved Maggie last July and couldn't bear to be without another furry child in their home. My mom was watching the noon news and they highlighted Essie as their Dog for Adoption on that day. Mom called the place instantly as she knew Essie was the dog she wanted. She called my brother and I after that call and told us that she really hoped that Essie could be her dog. They had to go through an application process (several applied for Essie) and they were the ones selected to be her family.

Now, one year later they are having to lay that precious dog to rest!

Thank you Essie for giving them one full year of lots of love and companionship. You will be greatly missed.