Today Caira Sue took her last earthly road trip. The pain she was in over the last 2 days only increased. This morning when I got home from work, she told me. We couldn't take another day of pain. I did not want her to lose her dignity. I didn't want her to have days of whining or inability to move. Not super-duper Caira Sue.

When we got to UCDavis the oncologist was amazed at how much more swollen her legs were than 2 days ago. Yes, they were swollen and hot…but she walked in on them.

She laid down on her purple microfiber blanket (the color or royalty, you know) that has "Paws for Peace" on it. We sat next to her. She laid her head on Adam's lap and she went to sleep with Adam telling her what a good, beautiful peanut butter cup she was. I was petting her head. It was beautiful and peaceful. We could instantly feel a weight release. Her pain was gone. She stayed with us in the room. That we know for sure. We feel she will never leave the pack. We could still feel her in the car. But a calmer, pain free version.

Oh, we cried. But as Di told us earlier "grief is the price we pay for love." We cried as much as we loved and were loved by her. Then we cried in celebration of her life and her freedom from pain.

Please visit my blog at http://www.cair…..ipawds.com to see our tribute.

And please, no talk of rainbow bridges. Caira Sue is out looking for tennis ball bridges and ocean waves and jackrabbits. That's our girl. Free and crossing over the tennis ball bridge to find her some fun….but always watching to make sure we aren't far away.

I am really stunned and speechless.  It was only this morning that you shared with us Caira sue's diagnosis.

Caira Sue, a brave girl, a true fighter; she will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Big Hugs.

Mary and Adam,

I am so sorry to read your post tonite about loosing Caira Sue… I can't stop crying…  I feel like I knew her… Reading all the posts on the forum and her blog… about her wonderful adventures… She was truely a hero tripawd… She was amazing up until the end!!

I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you are devastated now… but you have so many beautiful memories of your 'super dawg'… and so do we!!!

I hope that she is enjoying herself now… chasing tennis balls and hanging out at the beach… and chasing those crazy jackrabbits!!! I will never forget Caira Sue!!!!!

Angel Jake's Mom

Mary and Adam, we are so sad to hear this news about sweet Caira Sue.  Our thoughts are with you.  Janette, Torsten and Montana

Mary and Adam,

Noooo, I could not believe it when I read your post.  I just told Koda the other night about Caira Sue and how she went through the same thing as him and the same leg at around the same time (after I read your post).  I am so so sad to hear about your loss.  Her photos proved that you guys lived each day to the fullest and were great pawrents to her.  Some would say that she was lucky to have you as her pawrents, but I'd like to think that you were lucky to have her in your lives to teach you all she has taught!!!! 

Sending our love and thoughts,

Storm and Koda