What a tough day...

This will be short -- I'm exhausted.  We were able to get an appointment to take Shadow in to the vet this morning at 10:30.  I was a blubbering mess most of the night as well as through the morning.  Shadow and I stayed up extra late and played ball in the dark -- she loved it!  And, she got to spend the night cuddling with Tony and I in our bed.  It was a great last night for her.  I got to talk to her, pet her, snuggle with her, and tell her all the things on my heart.  She was so sweet and loving, and ironically we saw none of the behaviors that were signs of her growing illness.  It. Was. Perfect.  Tony and I were with her the entire time, and I was looking into her eyes and scratching her ears the whole time.  I felt at peace as she slipped into her final sleep, and know that she's happy romping around playing ball in Heaven now -- watching over our babies until they can come here to meet us.  She will always have a special place in our hearts, but we feel so much better knowing she is no longer suffering and will no longer be a danger to anyone.  She was loved every single day of her life, and I know she knows how much we adored her and will miss her.  The photo here was taken this morning as she did one of here favorite things -- rip up her toys!  We still have some adjusting and grieving to do -- seeing her empty crate continues to tug at my heartstrings, but I do not have the strength to take it down just yet.  When I took a nap this afternoon, I dreamt of my sweet girl, and I'm hoping it happens again real soon.  I know, somehow, she's out there watching over us -- as I was standing outside when we returned from the vet, looking up at the sky and praying, I caught a glimpse of a cloud that looked just like her face, with her tongue lolling out.  It left me with such an incredible sense of peace, for I know that's exactly how she's feeling -- at peace.