It hasn't been a good couple of weeks for us. Two nights ago we had to let this guy go.
Masaki was 14, and suddenly slowed down very quickly and lost interest in food. We found out he had cancer in a very bad way. Only hours later it was apparent that the kindest thing to do was have him put down. Poor Tim took him in the middle of the night, and we buried him yesterday.
There is something so heartbreaking about losing a pet. Masaki drove me completely crazy at times - he loved to bark his ear-splitting yelpy bark, and more recently decided our raised veggie patch was the best place to do his toilette. But he had such personality, with his mopey Eeyore expression. He was funny and gentle and loving. He put up with Gus' constant kisses and hugs and attempts to wrestle. He's been Tim's faithful companion for 14 years.
The house feels empty without the familiar black blob on the mat in the corner, and less like home.