When someone you love dies it leaves a hole in your heart that is never healed this side of Heaven. You just learn to live with it. So now I must learn to live with it.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Scruffy
Scruffy passed away this morning at about 11:20. Her quality of life was zero. She didn't know who we were, she didn't even remember what her food and water dishes were for. I had to give her water with an eye dropper. There was nothing the vet could do for her, she was suffering from senility. He could treat her for a short period of time but we would have had to endure this process all over again. Putting her to sleep was the merciful thing to do. I don't regret it but that doesn't make it any easier. DH and I have been married 19 years and she was with us for 13. A constant, loyal companion through some of the toughest times in our lives. She was like an anchor in the rough waters of life. Now the house is so empty without her. I keep expecting her to come around the corner and get up on the couch with me. I believe with all my heart that animals go to heaven and that we will see her again. She was a unique, one of a kind, individual. Greatly loved and sorely missed.
When someone you love dies it leaves a hole in your heart that is never healed this side of Heaven. You just learn to live with it. So now I must learn to live with it.
When someone you love dies it leaves a hole in your heart that is never healed this side of Heaven. You just learn to live with it. So now I must learn to live with it.
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8 comments:
I'm so sorry Kathryn. Having gone through the same thing so recently, I know the raw pain you feel in your heart right now. Scruffy had a wonderful life with you guys and it's kind that you put her to sleep at this time. It's hard missing our old friends though; I know. It's been 2 1/2 months since I lost Mesa and I'm finally getting used to her being gone.
I just wanted to let you know I that know how you feel and am sending prayers your way. And that Scruffy is up there in heaven - maybe chasing my ol' Mesa around (or more likely, she's chasing Scruffy around!). Their little souls live on too, I just know...
Take care, Kathryn. :)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's Family surrounded him.. Shane seemed
so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The Six-year old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently..
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
ooh .. I'm so, very, very sorry to hear about Scruffy and for your broken heart SM! (((SM)))
Oh Schnauzermom, I am so very sorry for your loss. That has to be so hard, and I am sure you miss Scruffy very much.
Honey, I am so sorry. You know in your heart you did the right thing and that Scruffy is thankful for your love.
Oh SM I'm so sorry. It's hard to lose a pet especially one that has been with you for so long. But it would have been even worse to see her suffering day after day after day. I believe you made the right decision but your home will seem very empty for a while.
Sending a quite hug your way. I posted some things for you over at Daisy's. I'm in tears right now, but you did the right thing, and I'm proud of you for doing it now and not later. Most people wait to long with this. I waited too long with Dina. I could have saved her from some unnecessary pain if I had been ready to let her go earlier. You always did the best for Scruffy, and you did the best for her now. And you are right about the hole in our hearts. You're so right about that.
Thanks everyone for your kind words.
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