i could not sleep last night, and as so many of us know it seems night time any anxieties, stresses, concerns are amplified by 100. so of course my pain over losing peanut on 2-15-05 was immense again as i was tossin g and turning last night wishing i could fall back to sleep and also feeling the emptiness of peanut's spot on our bed in between us of course! each day seems to get a little easier and then when I least expect it those feelings come crashing back and overwhelm me. I woke and realized that one month ago today was monday, 2-14-05 and we saw our dear peanut decline rapdily while watching, ironically, westminster dog show on TV (of course the working group). i noticed her feet were swollen, not just her belly, and called the vet. he knew, and i could tell in his voice that her time was near. we set up our aerobed in the living room and slept (or tried to at least) with peanut as she could not make it up the stairs (and she always slept in bed with us!) it was the next morning, tuesday, that we took her to be seen at 8:45am. i am so sad we did not bring her home to "do it" but she was in so much pain and suffering when we got to the vets exam room that we knew to even wait a few hours until the vet could come to our home would make it worse. she passed at 9:30. I still feel guilty at times, did she understand that she as not at home? did it make it worse? I just know that it was peacful and we saw her at peace and calm for the first time in awhile. but i do understand your feelings and know that even though with time we learn to live with our loss, the feelisng and greif will be there for years. they are so important to us, and they are such members of our families, and it is on tis great site that we can find people who really do understand. i wish you brighter days ahead as well, pippa!