Our Bean (Purebred Boxer) turned 10 years old this past July 3rd, 2014. Once the epitome of strength, solidity, endurance and neverending energy, Bean is slowly but surely succumbing to old-man time... His once powerful legs that propelled him through the tallest of grass, deepest of snow, and hot pavement, now have the hardest of times holding up to traverse the tired body of this thoroughbred. This cycle really began just over a year ago. The slightest gimp became more common. The slightest stumble became more often. Soon trips to the Vet were becoming all too regular. His medicinal intake looking more and more like a pharmacy's inventory checklist. One of my worst fears are when I need to imitate God, and believe I am worthy to make the call on when to end my pets time here on earth. For well too long now I head up to bed, and in the dark pray to God thanking him for yet another day with my friend. Most pet owners know that dogs have a unique loyalty, and kinship unparalleled in the animal world. That bond has grown ever closer due to my own disability. The hours upon hours he happily waited to greet me and make what was possibly a miserable day at work, or whatever it was that took me away, into a moment I wish I would have stayed. I owe it to Bean to provide him a happy and comfortable quality of life remaining. Dr. Doug Honken took time to read my lengthy letter regarding Bean, and studied a history report attached. Never once mentioning compensation. He heard my urgency and squeezed us in. DR. Doug Honken literally climbed underneath, on top of and inside the mouth of Bean. He spent more than enough time with us and shared his own experiences relative to ours. And more than anything else... he provided assurance that Bean would let us know when his time would come to leave us, and we would know. We would see it in his eyes. My wish tonight will be that I hope Dr. Honken would know how much his words today meant to me. To my wife and to Bean. Thank You seems so little, compared to peace of mind, peace of heart.