Lena: 1995 - 2008

Lena passed away this morning at approximately 3:30 am EST. She woke us up to say goodbye and we went for a short walk outside. Upon returning, she collapsed and we carried her to the Animal Medical Center where she went into convulsions. She died as the doctor was preparing her, trying to find a vein to insert a catheter.

She lived 13 years, 7 months which is within the typical lifespan for Basset Hounds of 12-14 years. Lena lived 10 weeks after getting the diagnosis of terminal lymphoma, which beat the averages by a few weeks, although the last few weeks had been a struggle, even with a doubled dose of painkilling opiates.

Her last days were spent in Vermont -- snoozing in front of a warm fire, sniffing around the backyard, chomping on chicken trimmings, and enjoying the autumn sunshine. We had thought that we would end our journey together up there, but in the end we came home, and she relieved us of making that decision. She enjoyed a happy, good life and will be waiting patiently for us.

The house is so quiet without her.