We knew from the beginning that Leo had heart issues. We were never able to run and exercise him because he would pass out. We made the decision that we would just spoil him and let him be whatever he wanted to be. He played a lot and demonstrated the Stillwater sense of humor. Instead of fetch, he would tease and play keep away. Then he would let you grab the toy and enjoy a good game of boxer tug-o-war. Leo was the most loving animal I have ever had the privilege of being around. He was the first dog I ever met that truly would hug anyone he loved (and that was most anyone). When I would come home from work, I would get out of my car and shout "where's that killer dog?!!!" When I came through the door, he would be crouched down, and then would "attack" me with a big hug.

For the last month or so, the syncopal episodes started to increase in frequency. We knew something was starting to change. In the last week or so, he started breathing with a grunt that sounded like a pig. We thought it was cute at first until I started just sitting and watching him breathe. He was compensating for an inefficient heart. When we took him to the vet yesterday, V-tach was confirmed. Poor baby just wasn't pumping enough blood, and the breathing patterns were his attempt to compensate. He was so tired.

Knowing that this would be persistent with the potential for sudden cardiac death, we decided that it was time to send him over the rainbow bridge. Easily among the hardest decisions I have made in this lifetime. However the proposition that extended treatment would only add time to his life without adding life to his time, we chose to say goodbye to our beloved boy.

I went to work this morning and when I got there, I knew I had no business being in front of customers. Right now, tears are streaming and when they stop, I'm only about a half second away from starting again.

Leo's absence will always be felt in our home, but we have made the decision that we will find a rescue to adopt. We're all set up for a dog, and our home needs a dog. In a day or two, we will have Leo's ashes that will hold a place of honor in our home. Maybe, just maybe we'll have another fur baby and we can tell him or her about how awesome Leo was.