July 10, 2016 (in retrospect)

White Dog and the entire White Dog Army sensed the change in Puff. She was calmer, more relaxed, less in need of pain management. It was as if Puff had realized that letting go was not surrendering or giving up the battle. It was the converse, that SHE was deciding that her tired, cancer wracked body no longer served her needs and SHE was moving beyond the realm of the c monster's reach.

In that peace, we spent the day all together. Steve made sure Puff was carried outside into the sunlight and sat listening to birds several times across the day. Nilla, Sachi, Benson, Stormer and especially Zsofia gently kept her company. YoYoMa who always had a special relationship with our feisty girl napped with his head on her bed.

We knew at bedtime that Puff would not wake with the rest of us. It was an emotional battle of holding her tight and refusing to go to sleep in hopes of delaying or of embracing Puff's decision that it was time. We all gave extra deep kisses and settled Puff the Magical, Still Another White Dog of the White Dog Army for her journey.

It was time although it is never easy to say "until we meet again." As in life, our Puff did it her way. Love is forever.