We, also, lost a firbaby Nov 2nd, 2002- Muffy, a little Shihzu. She was almost 11 years old. In August, her knee snapped - it was broken. The vet said she may not survive surgery, but we asked him to try anyway to fix it and if God wanted Muffy home, he would've taken her. Her surgery went well and Muffy came home!! She healed VERY fast the vet was surprised. But, in about a month, her sight started to go - then it was gone! We found out she had heartfailure - then her hearing went bad. She had trouble finding her way but managed still to have a great appetite. The last day, we fed her anything her little heart desired. Then, our hearts breaking, we decided to do the best thing for her, send her home to God. And yes, we carried her in and were there when the passed on, holding her and comforting her as she went. I am having a lot of trouble accepting her death - it's only been a week. We lost another one last year almost 1 1/2 years to the day, Molly. She had heart failure also. They were both so very loving dogs it's hard to go on without them but, in time, we will all meet again by the Rainbow bridge. That poem has comforted me immensely and hopefully, time will heal but memories will remain..... Jeanne