Today was a difficult day. I had to put down my sweet dog, Sadie. She was a sixteen year old Jack Russell terrier, and for most of her life, she was full of energy. We knew this day was coming; her health had been declining steadily in the last year and worsened over the weekend. I didn't want to see her in pain and I couldn't bear to see her waste away. She stopped barking two years ago, but she still had a full repertoire of vocal sounds. She found a way to communicate with me through little growls and whines. Over the last four days she just looked at me with sad, tired eyes and when I reached out to let her know I was there she simply sighed. Mostly blind and rather deaf, she would howl when I was not in the house. She followed me everywhere and depended on me to lead her where she should go. I think that's what made putting her down so very heartbreaking.
When is it ever easy?
I started missing her the moment she slipped away in my arms.
7 comments:
That is the sweetest picture of her. I wish blessings upon your family. I hope you always remember the happy times you had with her.
You're not supposed to make me cry.
I was in your position four years ago when I suddenly found out that Simba, my shepherd, had cancer. I didn't have the pain of watching him grow old but I was there while he took his last breath. You leave the vet's and it feels so wrong to be leaving without your baby.
It is never easy but you can take comfort in knowing that you did the right thing. It sounds like Sadie had a wonderful life and it also sounds to me like she trusted you enough to make the hard decision.
My thoughts are with you.
cjh
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our Spazy girl yesterday (either Tuesday night or early morning hours of Wednesday) to nothing other than a vehicle. She was a youngun and we had not had her very long (she just showed up on the property one day about September) and it still hurts. No matter the circumstances, a pet is part of the family and it is hard to make the decision you had to. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family - hugs to you from here, E :)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost a pet about a year ago and I understand how sad it can be. You miss them terribly.
You did the right thing. When there is pain like that, I think it is good to let them go, to save them from that. You were protecting her until the end.
That picture is the sweetest ever, what an adorable face!
My best wishes and hugs to you and your family. I am sure she will be remembered and happy times regaled of with a smile.
My thoughts are with you and your family. You were lucky to have each other. She has the sweetest face in the world. Sending you all love and wishing you peace in your hearts.
Thank you for the kind thoughts, all of you!
I miss Sadie the most when I write. She was my writing buddy. Consequently, I haven't written much in the last two weeks, but I have made several trips to the no-kill animal shelter nearby. I like to just go in and talk to the dogs. Poor things. I hope they all find good homes. When I'm ready, I want to get a shelter dog.
I still feel guilty, like I should have let her slowly wither away instead of ending her life. Is it normal to feel this way? When I put my cat down years ago, he was very young but he had a terminal illness (and he'd been very, very sick). Sadie was deaf, mostly blind, had trouble getting in and out of the house, was throwing up several times a day, and yelped in pain when anyone but me picked her up (and sometimes when I did).
Still, I spend nights wondering if I should have given her another day, another week, another month.
Janelle,
It was a hard thing to do but you know she is in a better place now and you had some great years with Sadie. The pain and misery are no longer for her. She probably would have asked you to do this for her if she could have. Don't put any guilt on yourself about this decision. You are one of the most caring, giving persons I know and putting an animal down for any reason is difficult enough. I know you will have a hole in you but you did give Sadie the best life she could have had. My heart still goes out for you because I miss you online and all. I pray in due time your heart will heal somewhat that you can continue with your other life.
Keep the memories and stay strong - hugs from this part of the world - E :)
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