Earnest was healthy and active until just days before he died. Tristan died suddenly - only 8 years old. His hearing went years ago. The eyes are cloudy. His once thick and curly coat is sparse - the texture of dryer lint.
Muscle tone is gone.
His body is bony and fatty tumors jut out here and there. His movements are arthritic despite daily medication. I remember when Arthur was the fastest dog in the pack, tearing through the yard and leaping into the air. I remember when his eyes were bright and his ears were thick and long. But somehow, he is dearer to me now than he ever was.