We rescued her at 10, and she's had a darned good life with us; maybe one treat too many. She's 15 now, and had the best of care. But after exhausting remedies, the vet confirmed today that there isn't more to do. Her liver and heart are both very bad, and she can't really walk much any more. Thank goodness she's not in pain. So, election evening with her tonight, and we say goodbye at the vet's in the morning.

Her name when we got her was Baby, but that was a bit much for us, so I suggested the French version, Bebe. Soon she just became the Beebs.

I've had many "pets" and done this before - and it's way better than losing them to an accident - but that never makes it easy. Anyway, if you tip a glass to the election results tonight - good or bad - take a sip for the Beebs, too.

Good doggy.