Update:

My dog Elsa passed away in early July. I had worried that I wouldn't know the right time. A few days before I made the arrangements, I looked at her face, her eyes, and I knew. I had a little more time with her and then she very peacefully died with a veterinarian in our house.

I hope this is the last entry of its kind for many years. The grief has been overwhelming. I spent some time with friends in California who wanted me to visit and take care of me! And now, one of the psychiatrists I work with at my clinic has asked me to doggy-sit his small canine. I jumped at the chance and he's coming to visit today.