This afternoon Gooey passed peacefully and quickly, knowing great love. Dr. Michelle gave him a few treats which he wolfed down in Gooey fashion and after she gently gave him a sedative and left us alone together, we had a little chat as I cradled him in my arms. He watched intently as I told him he had an important mission - to go and find Betsy and Jake and Kimmy and Mei-Ling and Daisy-Bo and tell them that I love them just as I love him. I told him they would show him around and he should run and play and have fun, and then come to meet me when I'm ready. I like to think he understood. After a while when he got drowsy, I placed him on his fleecy blanket and stroked his poor crooked back while the vet injected the needle in his arm. He went quickly, lying in the position he loved to sleep in, chin on his paws. He's at peace - no more frustration or pain. Until later, my sweet old grumpy man. The house sure is quiet now.