A few years ago is was just starting to think about the time approaching for my old dog, Otis. He was a great dog, Airedale/hound mix. He was going on 17 and while not “sick”, just seemed so tired and sad. He was falling and stumbling a lot. One summer evening he walking around at twilight, and I lost track of him. He drowned in the pond about 75 yards from the house. Luckily we found him, bathed him, and gave him a nice burial.
It was painful,and I had much guilt but after a while I appreciated that he went out in a sort of natural way, on his own without the vet process(he hated his feet touched!).
Anyway you cut it, one does not get the privilege of the love of a dog without paying this price. And it’s totally worth it!!
My Great Dane died of a sudden heart attack about a week ago. I found him lying, deceased, between the dining room and kitchen after my other dog asked me to let him out. Total shock. At least I didn’t have to make the fatal decision.
Understand.
Our losses have always included a vet helping. Our vet is a man of a big heart, he truly cared. We were placed in a special comfortable room with no rush as he knew we were saying our goodbyes and he also knew that can’t be rushed.
Our special one’s all passed in our arms, embraced by love.
And the vet? Our vet was the very embodiment of compassion and kindness. He gave us privacy and as much time as we needed to say our final goodbyes.
Our special Cooper was loved by all and “our” vet tech asked to be there with us and we agreed, as she truly loved Cooper as her own. We all openly grieved. Our Vet held it together but his voice betrayed his broken heart. All us us were a mess.