I knew when I woke up early this morning what I had to do, but when you know that your basset is not well and getting worse by the minute that selfish desire not to feel pain yourself has to be put aside and mercy and relief has to be granted.
 
Harliegh came to me about 2 1/2 years ago and I was scared to keep her and almost told Cindy who brought her here that I couldn't take care of a dog.  But I really knew that this day was inevitable and the longer she was here, and the more I loved her the harder it would be to lose her in the end.
 
When a small tumor that we had been watching with the vet for nearly a year began growing exponentially, taking over her breast, we did surgery and a biopsy and found that it was not only malignant, but had spread through her entire system although no other tumors were evident.  Another hidden tumor began to grow last week and took over her left rear leg as well as another one on her chest. by this morning she was showing signs of pain and not able to get up. About 9:30 this morning after an exam to make sure there was no infection that could be treated or any other pain relieving option, I said goodbye to my girl and waited quietly outside for her to be ready for her last trip home.  She now resides beneath a small tree at the edge of the back yard where she always wanted to get off to but I wouldn't let her go with the leash.  She is laid there to rest curled up like she loved to sleep and in peace.
 
Thank you to the basset hound rescue for a chance to love a wonderful dog and the opportunity to someday love another one that needs it.
 
thank you all,
 
Nick  Tyree