My Best Friend Is Dying-Updated

****Diggz passed away this morning at 12:30 a.m. He went very quietly. It was all we could have asked for. We were both there kissing him and hugging him as he took his last breathe. Thank you all for your kind thoughts.****

I found out today that my best friend in the world is dying. The only friend I've ever had that loved me unconditionally.

I knew he'd been feeling badly. He'd not been himself. His eyes didn't have the same glow. The hitch,the swagger in his step had slowed to a meandering roll. He didn't "laugh" at my jokes the way he used to and his propensity to play sports, especially anything involving a tennis ball had ceased.

Today he was diagnosed with rapid late stage lung cancer and another tumor in his stomach had grown in the last two weeks, to the size of a cantaloupe. They think he has a brain tumor, but the word "inoperable" when applied to his lung cancer made him decide that all he wanted was to live his life out in a little dignity, and peace. I agreed with him. As hard as it was. Right now he's not in pain.

All day today I thought back to all the times we'd shared. All the parties. Days at the beach. Swimming in the ocean. Running until we thought we'd pass out. Long walks, when we'd just enjoy each others company, that's all we needed. Sitting on the sofa on rainy days watching movie after movie, cuddled up in THE BIG BLANKIE. And oh, the big wet kisses. So many, too many to count. He likes to sneak in big wet tongue kisses, but my husband doesn't mind. The time he ate all my handmade chocolates, so many he was sick for two days. Or the episode where he ate a whole lemon. A WHOLE UNPEELED LEMON!

My goofy best friend in the world. Been my best friend from my feckless youth, seen me marry his other best friend, sat next to me on my 21st birthday while I hurled chunks from the stomach flu and missed my big night. Walked me down the aisle to my husband. He's been by my side for 13 wonderful, sometimes weird years.

He was with my at my lowest lows and my highest highs. Through thick and thin, good and bad. As I will now be with him. Holding his paw.

I guess the old guy won't be running for President after all. He's sorry to let you all down. But he's tired, and just wants to rest now.

Can I just ask those of you who do pray to think of him, and those of you, like me, who don't, to still just think of him and wish for him a quiet, peaceful end.

Mr. Diggz. Super Diggz. Diggerboy, my sweet, sweet Diggerboy, my polka dotted best bud, my sunshine, my greeter at the door, my joy, my walking partner, my best friend, is dying.

Whoever said dogs are man's best friend were wrong, they're woman's best friend as well.