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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>The way yesterday started was far from how it ended. After I addressed the nail in the rear tire, I went home and took Mr. Miller to the vet to get his bandage changed. I noticed he wasn't acting like himself. Dr. Barnes called and told me he looked anemic and jaundiced and had several enlarged lymph nodes. She discussed the possible causes which were liver disease, lymphoma, autoimmune disease affecting his red cells. I authorized her doing a CBC and chemistry panel. The CBC showed all indexes were low. The chemistry panel showed elevated liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin, increased albumin levels. With his hematocrit being 22, he would need a blood transfusion. The expenses of all treatment options were way beyond my means. So I made the hard decision. I canceled my only appointment, went to the vet's clinic and sat with him. I petted him, scratched his neck (I felt a mass, which Dr. Barnes said was a lymph node. It was the size of a lemon.) He was sedated prior to receiving the euthanasia solution and slipped quietly to the Bridge. It's quiet at home with Gatsby and me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kathy Miller and Gatsby<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>