Two days of rain doesn't make very good gravedigging conditions. But this morning, there was no doubt that it was time to say goodbye to Frodo. Although he had been showing minor signs of age for some time, he was still full of energy and life until last night, when he was having difficulty standing and showed no interest in food. This morning he was worse, and it was obvious he didn't have much time left, and there would be no joy in what little time he did have, so delaying the inevitable wouldn't be pleasant for either of us. There's some comfort in the thought that his rapid decline meant that he suffered very little, and it also made my decision a no-brainer with no agonizing about whether it was the right time. I'll miss him, but life is temporary, and he gave me a good eleven years.