This is what my wife wrote to many of our friends, which sums it all up.

Hi Guys, we wanted to share with you that our sweet Randolph had a turn for the worse, his doggy "meningitis" had still not gone into remission yet but after 8 weeks of strong steroid/azathioprine therapy his intestines were shot, he got diarrhea and constant vomiting about 17 days ago which they managed to control with meds on and off but as soon as meds stopped it started again. Ultra sound a week ago showed nothing and then an x ray midweek revealed an obstruction in his intestine as well as deterioration..another surgery after 8 weeks of immune suppression had its very serious consequences and with the meningitis still lurking, not to mention how weak and frail/sad he looked we just felt we couldn't put him through anymore..his year and 8 month life was riddled with tramadol, metacam, prednisone, azathioprine and the new ones from past two weeks which I can't even remember, plus paw aches, joint and spinal pain. It was really hard because after so long and so much invested in his getting better we truly just didn't want to give up on him...he was our baby, my angel and Paul's monkey.  He went peacefully in my arms last week. We are devastated and heartbroken the house feels so incredibly empty and cold, we just hope our last golden Stoli, was waiting for him on the other side to play.

We will always have a special place in our hearts for you, dear Randolph!
Man and his dog, Mommy and her dog.......the bond is so strong in good or bad!