There are simply not enough, nor the right words to describe how I and Tami feel about the loss of Hansel.  He passed away, on Sunday afternoon December 7th 2008.  His sister Gretel had recently passed on February 27th of 08, and I was ever so fortunate to have almost 10 months with Hansel before he too passed away.

Hansel lived a physically difficult life after his puppy years. Most of his life was spent living with sometimes frequent seizures in part due to Discoid Lupus. A disease that is somewhat common to the breeds.  He was and is a beautiful dog. He looked out for Tami and I consistently and was our buddy. In the last months of his life after Gretel whom was his life long partner and sister, he spent days seemingly looking for her. Now of course I do not know it to be true, but I’ve learned that animals grieve too. Much like us. I also had learned how truly intelligent Hansel was, and how he did the best he could to stick around for us, for a few more months before joining his sister. He gave me a wonderful second chance to get to know and love him. I am thankful that I did just that. Second chances in life are few and far in between. I am lucky.

He also gave Tami and I the amazing opportunity to spend his last hours with us. For this, we are so lucky, and I am so glad that he will never again experience anymore pain. His life with us was far from perfect, but it was better than the masses. I’ll always feel like I should have done more for him. The natural guilt of a parent I guess. We are missing him terribly, and always will. He has a special place with us, and while his death Sunday came on suddenly, and not expected, I can only wish and hope that I saved him from any longer suffering or pain.  Our last few walks together were wonderful. I was so lucky to have that bonding time with him.

                                                Thank you so much, Hansel boy!