Charcoal is our 13 year old Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle breed) and we love and share our bed with her.  

Lately, as we are, she has been slowing down, but in the last fortnight she experienced a malady which could not be diagnosed and nearly brought her/us to a halt.  

In every way, she ceased to function and after exhaustive care by our Vet (Dr. Jackie) we were compelled to resort to "specialized care" and put her in an ultra expensive animal hospital which treated the symptoms, not the cause, and brought her back to a much improved, but still shaky, status when we brought her home last Friday night. 

All weekend until now we have tended to her and administered her medicines and slowly she has returned to near normal.  

On her 2 days away at the hospital, her absence was ever present as we had to deal with and contemplate potential end of life issues :)  

Yes, we have insurance, but no matter what, her survival is most probably attributable to our willingness and ability to pay the shockingly expensive hospital.

Charcoal, we love you and you are priceless!