Yesterday my dog had to be put down because he had fluid around his heart. The worst part about it was that it happened while I was at work, so I didn't get to say bye. Fortunately I spent the morning before with him, it was weird but something told me I should. Thank God I listened to my instinct. Honestly it sucks, it really does. Although death is inevitable there's no way anyone is ever ready to let go, especially to someone so close to you.
My family and I are dog people, we can't go at least a week without getting another one. Blue however was the one that stayed around the longest. He lived to be 11 years old, and I think that's why I'm not completely crushed. He lived a long happy dog life. We all grew up and old with him. So while he was an old man we were all adults, so he wasn't bothered by a toddler poking at him. Let me tell you he didn't really like kids lol. He also had over 7 people around to feed him and walk him whenever he was ready. Tons of people to sneak him scraps while my father wasn't looking. And so many more to massage him to sleep.
With old age comes new bodily issues. He had a few lumps, which I'm guessing were tumors, and joint problems. So he was suffering. We did all we could, gave him the necessary medicine. But at some point you just have to realize the alternative may be the best choice. There was an optional surgery but no guarantee it would solve the problem. My parents opted out of it, they were suffering as well and would not be able to deal with it going wrong.
I couldn't imagine being in the emergency room at that moment. Or seeing him on the operating table confused and waiting for us..............
......I think that's the worst part, being an animal and never knowing what's truly being said. Having to depend on another species to make a decision that's right for you. If that's not scary enough, imagine all the animals that are abused. It's so sad. Another reason why I'm trying to continue being a vegetarian. Gandhi said something about how you know how good a person is by how well they treat animals. That quote puts all the crazy cat ladies and dog lovers in a different light. I love having pets. Sadly I don't know when or even if we'll get another family pet anytime soon, Blues death hit my father really hard. But if we do, or when I get one I want to rescue one. Those are the ones who need a loving home the most, but even so any animal deserves a good owner.
How do you all get through the loss of a pet?
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