Since it’s late in the thread, below is a true story I went through last week. The real folks involved were my friend Diane Feinstein and myself. And Skye of course.
It’s a true, and very sad, story.
Skye Sings At Rainbow Bridge
It’s a popular folklore that our dogs go to a special place after they pass, a place called Rainbow Bridge. After our demise we will meet them again, this meeting bringing us the healthy canine of our memories.
In the case of Skye, an Alaskan Husky, who suffered for many hours until help was obtained, it took some painful lessons for us involved humans to learn about caring for our pets, even at their demise. His passing, due more to circumstance than any contribution by Skye, taught a whole bunch of people some lessons, people that include two Assistants to our state senators, the state senators themselves, and a state Representative.
My friend and I were desperate. Skye was dying; he was suffering. Skye weighed almost 150 pounds. My friend and I are both older and we simply could not put Skye into a vehicle to take him to a Vet to euthanize him.
The local charitable animal shelters were of no help whatsoever and our elected state representatives are very aware of that. For the state assistants themselves came to my friend’s house, bringing three grown men, and we all managed to hoist Skye into one assistant’s car and drive him to the Vet where he was peacefully euthanized, to our pain but also our relief.
Skye now sings in heaven and he left us with lessons, love and things that need attention.
Skye was 12 years old and had been ill for several months when my friend’s husband died suddenly. My friend, Jane, was dealing with a sick husband but she dutifully, and with great love, took care of Skye. When her husband died Skye too took a turn for the worst.
Between the two of us we tried desperately to get help with lifting Skye to take to a Vet. We had the money to pay the Vet but we lacked any ability to load the sick dog into a vehicle for transport. We called the many local animal shelters for many days and while they agreed to allow us to bring Skye in for a calm euthanasia, they do not come up and pick up sick dogs.
We queried for a Vet to come to my friend’s house to euthanize Skye there but it wasn’t easy to find such a Vet and further, once Skye was euthanized how were we supposed to lift him for burial, even after his death?
The local humane organization, given charge of Delaware’s animal control within the five years prior to Skye’s demise, refused to help with transporting the dog. I always thought such local animal care organizations existed to help sick and suffering animals. My friend had no choice but to feed and care for Skye as he could not move, could not go outside, could barely function. What else could she do, let him sit in a corner and suffer a slow and painful death?
Finally, in desperation, I contracted a couple of our local elected state representatives, begging for help.
What wonderful people they were. An assistant to my friend’s state senator actually came out in her car, bringing three people to help lift Skye. She drove Skye to a local Vet, my friend in the same car to be with Skye to his end, to comfort him, and herself, truth be told.
It was a painful thing as this sort of thing always is. But at least my friend could have some peace, she could keep her home from being destroyed by this dog who could not move, who had to empty his bladder and bowels inside the house. I thanked our elected people profusely and know that they are quite aware of this problem of elderly people with dogs they simply cannot handle at the end of their life.
While the whole time the local humane organizations turned us down for help.
But I have the elected people on our side.
Skye was a singer, sweet guy. Recently a dog went through on “America’s Got Talent”, a singing yellow Labrador.
Skye could out sing many choirs. I often would stand with him and we would both sing loudly and with great joy. Had I known it was possible I’d have entered Skye as America’s premier singing dog I would done so long ago.
I know Skye is now singing at Rainbow Bridge, singing with his male owner, Jane’s husband awaiting him at the bridge no doubt.
Lessons about this situation have been learned and Skye was very lucky to have elected representatives volunteer themselves to help us get Skye to where he needed to go.
And, oh yes, we are now working with various local humane organizations and are working on a solution to this matter. May no other elderly person have to suffer like my friend and I did.
For I always thought that such organizations existed to help suffering animals.
My friend and I are going to make that happen.
Meanwhile Skye sings his song at Rainbow Bridge. He is sweet, quiet and happy to be with his owner.
Now he’s taught us about a problem many elder people might have with their dogs and thanks to Skye, perhaps we’ll have a solution worked out.
So sorry for the loss of Skye. Your story made me cry.