Hey, I'm Cyn, but this is really not about me. The pup pictured is my companion and familiar of the last 11 years, Niniel. the Pitty Pity Princess, my Maiden of Tears.

On Monday 2/13, I took her to the vet with apparent constipation and other assorted tummy troubles. Several procedures later, I learned that she had a tumor on either her liver, her spleen, or both. The bloating and upset was due to internal bleeding- blood was literally pooling in her abdominal cavity.

Surgery was not really an option, due to both age, and the fact that it would not actually cure her. This was a malignant situation. She was stable at the time, and I and the vet agreed it would be best to take her home and give her the best last days I could. I was told anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

She had two very good days at home getting loved on, eating all the treats, and sunning herself on the upstairs balcony. She took a bad turn on Thursday evening. She was ready, even if I was not. On Friday, 2/16, I made the very painful call to let her go, opting for an at-home visit rather than stressing her by trying to get her in the car to the vet.

Niniel got a cheeseburger, some of her favorite treats, and passed on in the comfort and safety of her home, with her family.

I've never done this sort of thing for myself, but the costs involved in making sure she was taken care of were considerable. Any funds raised will go toward repaying my housemate for her assistance with the vet bills, and in balancing my own budget back out so that I don't fall badly behind on my bills.