What we thought was decline due to age was the silent tumor taking over his lung. We were not ready to say goodbye, he was not ready, but there was no denying that at this stage of cancer his suffering would only escalate. As caretakers our responsibility comes with heavy decisions and I only hope he runs free and happy and continues keeping a watchful eye over us just like he did down here. He was secure when the whole family was together because we were his pack. My heart aches. I try to grasp for comfort knowing that at least the fireworks won’t distress him anymore. He can ring in every New Year with no fear and tremors. Maybe my pen can continue (when I can see through the tears) to keep him conducting his flat-coat orchestra and hopefully fill this huge gaping hole. He was our Dexter and my heart is broken, my tears are endless.