A goodbye to my good friend

I received some sad news today, my moms dog, Kita, will be put to sleep tomorrow at 4pm. She was a very loving dog and a loyal companion. But it is what is best for her. We got her when I was a kid and at 19 years old she has outlived her life expectancy by about 4 years, she is a very important member of the family, she was waiting up for me when I went on my first date with my now husband, she would try to protect my oldest son when he was a toddler but walking right next to him and when he would bend down to pick something up she would sniff it for approval first, she is the only animal that my daughter has been comfortable around since she was knocked down and jumped on by a very hyper large puppy. Originally she was mine, but when I was moving out my mom was having such a hard time with the thought of an empty house I left her with my mom as a companion. Over the years my mom has gotten other dogs but Kita has always held a special place in our hearts, she grew up with me. For the past 2 years she has been on several medications and had numerous health problems, and finally last Friday she has stopped eating all together. I am very sad, and I don't know what I am going to tell my kids, they love Kita. When we pull up in the driveway they all run to the door, they want to be the first to pet Kita. She is so kind and calm, she has never nipped or barked at them, she has a fun personality, we have had many animals but never one like Kita. My mom even has 2 other dogs and a cat but my kids only want to play with her.

I am very saddened by this news, I have to just keep telling myself it is what is best for her.