ANIMALS ARE SUCH AGREEABLE FRIENDS -- THEY ASK NO QUESTIONS, THEY PASS NO CRITICISM --George Elliot
It's been a rough month around here for pets.
At the end of August, J, K, and I went on our annual Saco camping trip. The cats were inside for 4 days with their food and water and litter box. When we got home, they were in a frenzy to go outside, so we let them out for a little romp. They haven't been back since.
Two weeks ago, J was backing out of the garage and she felt a thump. She jumped out of the truck to see her dog, Sabi, climbing out from underneath. Sabi was 14 years old, almost 15. If he were younger and a bit more spry, they probably would have opted for surgery to repair his broken femur. But as it was, who puts a 14 year old dog (who is deaf and going blind and has a tumor on his tongue) under anesthesia for a major surgery? Sabi is buried under his favorite sunning spot by the garage.
Then, this weekend, we said good-bye to Sullydog, my Dad's best friend. Sully was 13, almost 14 and also was ailing. He was in a lot of pain and getting disoriented and confused all the time. It got to the point where he couldn't go on his favorite walks around the neighborhood with Dad. My parents are going to bury his ashes and plant a tree in the spring.
It's funny how much animals can come to mean in your life. It's funny how you can love them so much. I remember how much joy I got from three goldfish I had when I lived in Calfornia. And they were FISH!
Anyway, we went through a lot of ice cream, wine coolers and tissues over the past month.
There's an expression that says my goal in life is to be half the person my dog believes me to be. It seems like a pretty good goal to me.
6 comments:
I think we are putting our old dog to sleep this week. He's nearly 12, going deaf, senile, and has been acting weird lately. Today he was "running in place". (like he meant to run to my husband, but couldn't go.) I think Clint has resigned himself to it. He's an outside dog and it'd be cruel to make him go through another winter if he's not 100%. I'm sorry you have had so many pets lost lately.
When I had to put my 15-year-old cocker to sleep, my sister-in-law asked me how I could even have a dog, knowing it was going to be so painful when that day came. I said the joy they bring far outweighs the pain (though it doesn't feel like it in that moment) and my life is SO much richer for having loved, and for having been loved, by such a marvelous creature. My heart goes out to you.
Thanks for your note! I have to tell you that my Sundance post was inspired by your Sully post.
I've got something for you over at my blog... come over and see :)
I truly dread the day that I have to say goodbye to my cat. Some days, I think he is the only thing that keeps me sane, other days, I know he is what drives me insane.
I know its been awhile since this post, but I just read it and my heart went out to you. My golden retriever of 16 years had to be put down last month. It was like losing a part of my family. I can't imagine your pain of losing so many so quickly.
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