Yesterday ~ Possible Trigger
 

As many of you read in yesterday's wonder thread, I had to put my 14 year old Schipperke to sleep. It was a hard decision on many levels for me, but it came down to the quality of life for the little guy.

It went exactly how I wanted it. The vet came here, examined Buddy. She did say that he wasn't as bad as she thought he would be, but that he will continue to slide downhill, so I decided to go ahead with the procedure. She gave him a major sedative, and after it took effect I was able to pick him up and hold him in my lap. I wasn't able to do that for six months as his arthritis would cause him pain. I sat on the floor and petted him for 20 minutes or so.

Through the year that I have lived here with Bill, I have become friends with several of Bill's friends. Bill had to be at work, but three for these "family friends" showed up for me and to say their goodbyes to Buddy as well. As I sat on the floor with Buddy, we were telling stories, some quiet laughter and a warm feeling of love for this little dog. I finally looked at the vet and nodded and she inserted the IV and a half a syringe later, Buddy was gone. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, as he was loved just as he loved us, unconditionally.

There is a huge hurt in my hear, I was totally exausted emotionally yesterday. It is going to be hard to get used to not having him here, and looking at his favorite spots to lie, wondering where he is in that split second of remembering. Buddy is being creamated and will be with Michael, Cabby and Little Bit to be scattered in Napa. I know it is going to take me awhile to recover, but I know in my heart that I did the right thing.

I apologize for upsetting anyone, but I just had to get this out of me, or else it would have festered and I wouldn't have begun healing...I know about that, I thought I had to be "strong" when Michael died and look where that got me.

Many gentle hugs to the room, and hug your pets today for me, for they offer so much comfort without knowing it. :grouphug:

I said a prayer for you last night..... I'm so glad you posted.... I was wondering how you were today.... Our pets bring so much joy to our lives.
I'm so sorry you had to make that hard decision, but it does come down
to quality of life.... RIP Buddy :hug:

Xie
 

You did the right thing at the right time. Know how hard that is. Hugs.

Cris, thanks for the picture of Buddy...what a sweetheart. Keeping you in my heart and wishing I could help. :grouphug: