As you all know, we had to say goodbye to Birdie on Friday.

She stopped eating Monday and after 3 days of numerous tests and visits with her regular vet, ER, internist, and finally oncology she was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of GI lymphoma.

Treatment wasn’t really an option.

We spoke at length about what we should do.

There was no denying she was very very sick, but she was stable, so we took her home to discuss our plan as a family.

She remained stable but sleepy. Ate some good treats, and seemed comfortable.

I went to work the next day. Elena was at home and keeping a close eye on her.

I received a call that Birdie was breathing funny and Elena was worried.

Elena brought her to my work, Brad and Lucia joined us.

We decided it was time to let her go.

She went peacefully, outside, surrounded by love.

She was 5 years old.

We are broken. We miss her.

My work was amazing and discounted her care as much as they could.

Birdie was insured since the day we got her.

Unfortunately, premiums had gone up so much over the years that just 2 weeks before she got sick I had drastically reduced all the pets coverage.

We are left with lots of bills.

Elena wanted to set up a gofundme to help cover what insurance will not.

If we exceed the goal, or any money is left when insurance is done, she would like to use the rest in an Angel Fund to help cover bills for another family making tough decisions.

I have to work on details of how to do this, but will update as soon as I know.

Honestly never thought I would use this platform for pet care, but I am grateful for any help and promise, as always, to pay it forward.

Go hug your dog ❤️