Thursday 20 February 2014

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
 

19 comments:

  1. Sad.... boy 12 had a lovely person to be near .... xx
    Hugz

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    1. Thank you Fiona for the hugs on Sunday, so nice. xx debbie

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  2. Good on you Debbie - I knew you could be tough when you needed to be.

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    1. I'm trying to be tough...I hope each new day will be a little easier. xx debbie

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  3. So lovely to know he finished his time here in your loving care. You made special doggy memories for him and for yourself. You are one very special person, Debbie.

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    1. Thank you Marilyn for your very kind words. xx debbie

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    1. Thank you so much Maree, am grateful for your friendship. xx debbie

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  5. Thank you for sharing this precious day. In the short time he was with you he could not have asked for more, he was truly your dog. Thank you for being there for him.

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    1. Thank you for being there for me. You have helped me get through this with our talks and emails. I know the other dogs were right there waiting for him and all is well now. xx debbie

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  6. Hugs... yes, I've got tears in my eyes. Still, thanks for sharing your love with dogs and for sharing with us your love of dogs.

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    1. Please don't be sad...I've got that part covered. If I were there near you, I would be dragging you to Cabbage Rose for some fabric therapy. Hope that made you smile :) xx debbie

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    2. It's less than 15 minutes from my home, a wonderful and most dangerous place to visit - with The Railhead BBQ and Flying Fish restaurants across the street. Eat, drink, and shop for fabric & sewing notions... and patterns, or take a class. *sigh*

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  7. Big hugs Debbie; you gave him lots of love in his last days; he'll always be in your heart ♥♥

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    1. Thanks so much Mel for your kind words. Been thinking of you too. xx debbie

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  8. I have been keeping you in my thoughts all week Debbie. Be happy that he spent his last days with someone who loved him. Hugs........

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    1. I've been thinking of your kind words and hugs from Sunday and that has helped me get through this tough week. Thank you. xx debbie

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  9. this is so sad and you are such a special person to do this for your doggy friends,Deb can i just let you know that by replying to people on there comments that they wont get to see them unless they happen to come back to the comment section,you are better to reply to the emails that get sent to you,hope that makes sense,lol.xx

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  10. Sending you big hugs today and tomorrow and the next day. #12 was a very lucky boy to have had you make his final journey pleasant and memorable and to have felt loved.

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