Jean and I have been blessed by the companionship of our two Dalmatians, Dilly and Stoker for many years. They are our family. Last year, both of them were diagnosed with different forms of cancer. Dilly, our 12 1/2 year old female developed a large skin tumor last summer. Our Vet, Janet Varhus, was able to successfully remove that tumor and since then, Dilly has done very well.

Our 7 1/2 year male Dal, Stoker, last fall was diagnosed with prostrate cancer by a Vet we were referred to in Denver. We tried many different courses of treatment for him. In Stoker's mind he was never really sick. But outwardly, he became incontinent and we had him wearing a diaper to control that problem. However, a month or so ago, Stoker began having internal bleeding. More attempts were made to try and control that with medications. However, the bleeding kept getting worse. If it weren't for the diaper, you would have been hard pressed to know that he was sick at all. He was still very energetic and loving. Unfortunately, last week, the internal bleeding got much worse. Jean and I talked a lot about what we needed to do. Finally, last night, Jean and I agreed that if we loved him, we must end his suffering. In what was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do, we took Stoke to our vet and had him put to sleep this afternoon. I held Stoke after he recieved his shot and the end came quickly for my buddy.

Janet and Barb at our vet were very supportive and gave both me and Jean hugs afterwards. They had known Stoker since he was a puppy that we got from Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado. Janet saved Stoke's live once after being hit by a car several years ago.

We had made arrangements with the Humane Society in Buena Vista to have him cremated, so we took him up there afterward. If was a very hard trip for us both We have talked about scattering his ashes at the Poncha Visitor Center across the highway from our house. The Visitor Center was part of the daily walk for Stoker and Dilly, so it would be appropriate, I think. For those of you who have a pet, please give them a big hug tonight for Stoker. If you would like also, please make a donation in Stoker's name to Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado www.dalmatianrescue.org. Thank you.

Bill and Jean