On Saturday, I had to make the call for in-home euthanasia of our dear old dog, Ladybug. The sweet girl (about 14?) had bone cancer, failing kidneys, arthritis, and more. I wouldn't have let her be in pain and she wasn't. I walked her with a tote device (I joked that "this is my expensive new bag from Pucci") and maintained her med schedules more closely than my own. But her strength and interest in life were ebbing and on Saturday, I could see it in her eyes.
So we had a service come to our home rather than scare her one last time with a trip to the vet, and things went very smoothly. Bug wasn't scared or stressed and I was with her every step of the way. Of course, the pain I was feeling was off the charts (and truthfully still is). But it was the gentlest death anyone could hope for.
That being said, when Bug's heart stopped, the sweet young vet (Dr. Katie) said "she's crossed the rainbow bridge." And it was a kind thing to say, but it sure didn't FEEL like any rainbows had been involved. And afterwards, I made a dark cartoon which was posted here earlier but, at my daughter's request, has now been replaced.
Most people here are aware (I think) that Johnny Optimism came into being when my mother died suddenly and circumstances wouldn't let me fly out for any kind of closure. And so I started creating dozens of Johnny Optimism cartoons as a way to let out my pain...attempting to laugh, however bitterly, to keep from crying. And here, many years later, we still are. And the world still sucks too often and I still try to fight back with humor.
All of which is probably more than you need to know, so let me be perfectly honest: I could sure use a hug or two right now.
And in return, I'll try to make a more lighthearted post on StiltonsPlace.com either later this week or on Monday of next week. It will be funny, holiday-oriented, and introduce you to my exciting new role as a professional public Santa Claus. If I can't milk an anecdote or six out of that, I'm not the man I think myself to be.
Hug your dogs and spouses if you've got 'em, and your kids if they get jealous. -Stilt
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| She was a Good Girl. |
9 comments:
HHHHHHHUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGG
Hugs and prayers for peace. Most days I would rather be among dogs than people.
Our beloved pets are around just long enough for us to get seriously attached to them. Virtual hugs sent, my friend.
Sorry to hear it, it's never easy.
Had to do it more times than I wanted to for both dogs and cats :(
It's said that a dog will give you some of the best days of your life...
and one of the worst ones.
We went the first 20 years without a dog, I never wanted one especially when we could have been posted at any time. A few years after retirement from the service, we ended up with a puppy that unfortunately was too stupid to live and proved it in less than a year. The next one was a used dog, a pound puppy, and we had him for another sixteen years. Smartest dog I ever saw, nit in doing tricks, he just knew things. When the time came, he knew. We went to the vet's and he turned right at the door instead of left the way we'd always done, I didn't even know there was a 'goodbye room' there, I'd always assumed it was offices, he went in got up on the table and I swear he put his paw out for the shot...dammit...too much damned dust in here...sweep up once in a while.
Yes, it hurts, a lot, and I understand that all too well.
Sometimes, though, it's the last, best thing we can do for them.
I'm sorry. There have been many sad things recently, and I'm very sad to hear of them. May the burdens ease.
Thanks for giving SO many laughs to so many people, especially in the immediate times after suffering personal losses. Having retired from the medical world myself, I know the experience of injecting a bit of dark humor into moments of profound sadness. Sometimes you search for a little laugh just to take a break from crying.
As for dogs, well they're definitely more noble creatures than most human beings. No hidden agendas, and they accept you for all your shortcomings. They just want love.
I myself have had to say goodbye to my mom, my wife and numerous dogs & cats. You never "get over it". You just learn to carry on with the holes they leave in your heart. And maybe your grief is the last tribute which you can give to them. It hurts deeply because you LOVED them deeply.
Hang in there Stilton. Your work and courage are appreciated. Hugs and thoughts are with you!
Pets are the best. Unconditional love and endless devotion. Losing them is one of the worst feelings in the world. I know many people who have called it quits after losing their first one, and I get it. I keep going back for more.......
So sorry. I know how you feel. Jack's collar still hangs on the rearview mirror in my truck. Hugs to you.
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