Thank you again, everyone. Toto went peacefully late this afternoon. Mom and I held him and I felt him take his last breath. I am relieved that he is no longer stumbling around, lost, confused and bumping into things. I hope he felt our love as his spirit left his body. He will always be my boy--the first dog I ever loved.
I first posted here a year ago when I was rushing back here to Florida from Los Angeles because my mom thought Toto was dying (he had a skin allergy that became infected). I moved back home a month after that visit (mom was in bad shape too and needed me) and I'm so grateful I did, as I got to spend this last year caring for "Totes" and helping out my mom.
Scout seems to be enjoying the extra attention. She has already begun her nutrition and exercise regimen (per my insistence). Toto wasn't much of a walker this past year and Scout had to deal with that, unfortunately. She also got a lot of extra "cookies" because Toto would beg for them whenever they came in the house and it was always a losing battle with him. She and I (and Mom!) could use some healthy lifestyle changes so we're going to focus on that now.
Thank you all so much for your thoughts, kind words and prayers. This community has been such a comfort to me in the last year as my little guy's health declined. Know that I am truly grateful for the support. Love to you all and to your furbabes.