Bittersweet

Hi everyone,

This is a post that I really didn't want to write.  I've had many conversations with myself over the past few days about what and what not to put on my blog.  I thought about last Sunday at our stitcher's meeting, when one of the ladies asked me right away "how is Boy 12"?  I remember saying to her that I didn't know she even read my blog, and she replied that while she doesn't often comment, she always reads because she loves  the dog stories.  Such a kind lady, she is.  I also thought about the emails I have had, telling me personal dog stories, talking about how hard it must be to say goodbye to each one, and enjoying the pictures I post.  Remember the one that got in the bin and made a huge mess? :)  Lastly,  I didn't think it would be kind of me to leave you wondering, so here is the story.

(photo from Pinterest)

 

Last Friday, I took Boy 12 for his vet appointment.  She confirmed what was painfully obvious just by looking at him.  She did blood tests just to be sure and said the results would be in Monday.  On Monday, the call I expected came in and then a second call came Monday night.  His condition was deteriorating rapidly.  They offered to come for him right away to make things easier on me, but I asked them to let him stay with me as long as possible so he wouldn't have to be in a strange place.

 

 

I did manage to get a nice photo of him to remember him by.  Such a sweet old guy.

 

 

I knew that Tuesday would be our last day together and he would be picked up late afternoon.  I made it the nicest day I could for him.  He never lost his appetite, so I gave him extra breakfast.  Late morning, there was a lovely seabreeze, so we went on the deck for a long brushing session.  I talked to him and told him the story of the Rainbow Bridge.  If you don't know the story, you can read about it here.   I told him he would be back with his blind guy soon, and that my much loved dog Greta and my dear friend's dog Maggie would be waiting for him too.  He had a long nap after the brushing session and then he had a treat of his favourite dog biscuits.  I felt so sad for the lady when she came for him as she has come to be a good friend of mine, but we both knew that he was very unwell and it was the best decision.  I gave him a kiss and a hug and said goodbye, and then he was gone.

 

 

I've been thinking about how many dogs I have said goodbye to this past year.  I even wondered if I should keep doing this for about a nanosecond.  I thought about all the cuddles, the different personalities,  the tears every time one leaves me.  It didn't take long to decide that the joy far outweighs the hard parts and I know that the special dog place needs a quiet home like mine for the dogs that are unwell.  Yes, I will do this as long as they let me. I can't imagine my life any other way.  xx debbie