We have a story – Chiron and Paul and Kimberley. This morning I thought I could tell it, but for now we tell the story, bit by bit, to one another. After the lights are out for the night, we lean into each other and remember.

I am grateful for the  kind veterinarian. Before the actual overdose of anesthesia the vet sedated him and gave us as much time as we needed with him. His pain ebbed and his body relaxed. His eyes opened all the way for the first time in days. He watched and listened to us putting his paw out on my hand (an old habit of his). I held him in my arms until he was gone. It surprised the vet that he didn’t have the usual shudder and last gasps. Very peaceful.