Murphy wasn’t quite himself. He had started to leave the chewy bits of his dinner. I looked in his mouth. He certainly did need a dental. The front teeth were white but some at the back, not so much. I got an appointment at the vet. The clinic where all my dogs have had really great care for 12 years. Murphy had developed a murmur. His bloods were normal but an echocardiogram was advised as part of the pre op workup for an anaesthetic. Murphy had separation anxiety but was good as gold at the vet. I explained this and it was agreed that he could be admitted close to the time his echo would be done. No sedation. I signed the consent form and left him. I even joked to the girls at reception as I left….look I can’t even leave him for an ultrasound without crying. He didn’t want to walk with the vet. He told me to close the door and that then he would walk. I looked back and saw him being pulled reluctantly to the kennel area. That was the last time I saw him walk.