For 15 years we were enthusiastically greeted at our door. The level

of joy at our arrival was not determined by the length of time we were

away. A trip to the mailbox was met with the same enthusiasm as a

two-week family vacation.

For 15 years, we accepted the total love and affection from our

dear Sheltie, Flag.

When a beloved family pet reaches the end of life, the final goodbye is

a family matter.

We are so grateful to Dr. Michael Treuting from Treuting

Veterinary Housecalls. The kindness and sensitivity to both our pet and our

family was greatly appreciated. Even though we held out hope that Flag’s

condition could miraculously be cured, the careful medical exam assisted us

in accepting the reality of his pain, suffering and loss of dignity.

Dr. Treuting gave us space and time to assimilate the information,

discuss the reality and make the emotional transition without pressure.

In blinding tears, we as a family decided that our pain of loss needed to

take second place to Flag’s pain, suffering and loss of dignity. Flag died in

dignity, in his own home, in our arms, surrounded by those who loved him.

Thank you, Dr. Treuting, for providing death with dignity for our

family member and for helping us as a family to feel united in our sorrow.

Dan, Linda, Jonathan and Robert Nelson

Snoqualmie