On Sunday December 22nd, 2013 we had to make the tough decision to put our dog Duke to sleep.He was a beautiful, energetic 12 year old chocolate lab. He had a cancerous tumor on his left front leg that grew to the point he was unable to walk anymore.It feels like just yesterday that we brought him home as a puppy. He was one of the best dogs an owner could have asked for. He loved being around people, playing fetch, going on walks and eating apples off our trees in the yard. He also loved to chew our firewood in the basement fireplace and eat toliet paper and steal our water bottles. He was our family dog and my dad was his favorite. In the end he wasn't able to do any of those things he loved anymore. It was heart breaking to watch him stuggle his last few days. I never thought saying goodbye to him would be so hard. Our family loved him so much. We were all with him until the end. I stayed with him and told him how much I loved him as the Dr. gave him the injection. After he died my mother and I held on to him and were sobbing uncontrolably. I just couldn't believe he was gone. The hardest part was leaving his body there in the room all alone. I never wanted to let go. We had him cremated and we put up a memorial of him on our wall. The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing that hes not in pain anymore. I'm glad we got to spend 12 wonderful years with him. The holidays just weren't the same without him. I miss him and love him so much. RIP DUKE (Bear) I know your in a better place buddy.