On this day we lost our best friend, Midnight King, our beautiful black Labrador Retriever

Here I sit with Midnight. I know his final time on this earth is near. I can't 
find my blogger account, I wanted something to occupy my mind. He is starting to 
get agitated. My eyes are tearing. I plan to bathe him because I want to make 
sure he doesn't smell like the bed he is on. He has lost control of his bodily 
functions and I keep putting clean items down for him so he is comfortable.

In honoring Harrison's wish to have him at home I realize I am the one who will 
suffer. We thought he might go in the night while everyone was asleep, however, 
he is a trooper and stubborn. Just like when he was healthy. Yesterday when 
Harrison came home, he saw him and said maybe he should go to the vet now, but 
we decided it was too late and we had to complete this process allowing him to 
stay home in a familiar place. He looks for me when I pass by, which is why I 
made a cup of tea and decided to just sit in the room with him.  He was my 
shadow and watched over me when I wasn't well and I will return the favor no 
matter how difficult it is for me to see him try to hold on with me. I am typing 
with one finger because he will put his head or his paw by my hand or try to 
move his body, lift his head towards me. I don't want him to die alone, but, I 
wonder if I leave if he will stop trying to hang on. What do I do?  I just told 
him I loved him and to take a deep breath and let go. Still he looks for MaMa. I 
will stay here all day if he needs me.

I found a red handkerchief with bones on it that I know someone put on him after 
a bath, I may put that on him too after I wipe him off.  He is laying in towels 
that I keep changing because the urine keeps soaking through, I can't let him 
leave me smelling like urine. 

This is very hard. I am glad the kids are not here. I don't think Darren 
realizes how emotional it is, I know we went through the loss of both of his 
parents and boy was that painful.  This is the loss of a pet who met you happily 
at the door because he heard the garage door go up, who ran with you, who let 
you know if someone was coming near the yard, who when I was home alone and sick 
would lay across the door as if to say you must get through me to get to her.  
Yes he and his sister tore up my garden!  Chewed furniture as puppies, but, we 
received so many compliments about what good dogs they are and how well trained.  
So yes, he is a dog, but not JUST a dog, he is my shadow, my friend, protector 
and my teacher. He taught patience truly is a virtue and what unconditional love 
means. I will sit here and sit here and sit here because I have unconditional 
love for him because of him.

I played songs for Midnight.

You've run your last race my friend.  Thanks for helping us train for all of the 
5ks, 10ks, half marathons and marathons. Long distance running was your favorite 
thing to do. You would just tuck in on pace at our sides, off leash, and run. We 
knew you enjoyed it because we tired before you did. We gave you the happiest 
life we knew how to give and now I will be with you until the end. Others may 
feel differently. However, the decision was made and here we are listening to 
Chicago, Elton John, Fourplay, Carly Simon (lovin' you is the right thing), 
Carole King (you've got a friend), whatever else comes to mind. Oh, piano music 
is comforting too.

You've got your nose under the bed as if to sniff for Harrison just one last 
time, he will be happy to hear that.

I couldn't help you get better, I tried.  I hand fed you when you couldn't close 
your lower jaw and the vet didn't know what to do. We got you back to good 
health. Nothing worked this time, not medication, not homeopathic tries nothing.  
After 10 fun years I had to stop trying. One of my last acts of loves was to 
cuddle with you in the recliner and you ate one of my coconut crackers. I'm glad 
we shared that treat together. It came in packs of two, you ate one and I ate 
the other.  Find peace my wonderful canine child.

Princess has not been in here since she left to have her breakfast.  Hmm, what 
do animals know?

I see you are in pain now, I hurt with you.  My back and bottom will pay for the 
hours I've sat here since around 10am. It is all worth it for you

Midnight died today at 1:59pm. He was not alone.  I was holding his paw. I can't 
believe he is gone. No more "Mr.  Magic" for me. You're My Best Friend - Queen

I was playing Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion, silly, huh?  No more 
struggles or pain, Buddy. That is what Harrison called you.  He will miss you so 
much I can't imagine how he will feel or what he will do when I tell him. 

Well. Now I am going to get you off of this soiled bed and wipe you down so you 
will smell better and then  I will wrap you in your sister's bed.  Rest now my 
Shadow. Rest in peace.  - Mommy