Thanks to everyone who left such wonderful comments on yesterday’s blog post. Life isn’t always sunshine and roses…especially when someone you love must leave. My elderly neighbour took it hard, but we did what we could to make it easier.
It was Columbus’s time, and he was ready to go. Now we are left with memories of his antics, and his beautiful green/gold eyes….
I had been dreading the appointment all day, but I am so glad that I could be there for both of them. Things have changed in veterinary care, and it’s so much gentler now than the last time I had to do this. He fell asleep in her lap, peaceful, and unafraid.
It really changed my outlook on how to deal with the loss of a pet. It’s hard, and it’s sad, but something I had read on a website made me want to be there to support him. I had read that our pets give us such joy, and love, and the one thing that we could do for them, was to be with them when they go. To make the decision to go into the exam room, and comfort them, that we owed it to our beloved pets. I truly believe this, and no longer fear that step as much as I did before.
Many thanks to our amazing vet, and his assistants, they were wonderful.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Sigh... your images are perfect with today's words.
ReplyDeleteJen it is so tragic to lose a beloved pet. Your words will bring comfort to others and the flowers are so peaceful...
ReplyDeleteSo nice that you were there to comfort your sweet neighbor, Jen. Your post reminds us all of how fragile life is. Your images and words relay peace.
ReplyDeleteWhen my brother had to say good-bye to his beloved dog the vet made a house call. It was hard but so much easier than it would have been in the vet's office. The vet who took care of my dog in June was so kind and compassionate, making the experience easier to bear. We were able to be with her and hold her and say good-bye.
ReplyDeleteI had missed yesterday´s post and had to go read it before I commented. I am 110% animal lover, with 4 cats and 5 (soon 6) dogs under my care, saying goodbye and having to decide when it´s time has come my way more times then I would like. However, as responsible pet owners, it´s what we have to do...when it´s time. With that said, playing God, is never easy. Deciding today will be a living creature´s last day doesn´t feel like my job and I´ll never be comfortable doing it and I know I´ll have to do it again...probably several times in the future...our old lab Heidi, lived til she was 14...I prayed every night I´d go in and find her fallen asleep forever...and so many times I thought she had- she slept so hard...but then she´d let out some big snore or snort..and I´d be disappointed and relieved all at once..deciding to let her go was so hard...but it was the right thing. Your neighbour was so lucky to have a good friend like you to be with her in that difficult time.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are just breath taking as always Jen...a light in the midst of a dark and sad subject....
Warm hugs from Norway :-)
It is always so hard to let go of a pet. They become like family to us.I think it was nice that this pet went gently with its friend holding it.
ReplyDeleteJen~
ReplyDeletePerfect words..
and photos!
having been both an accompanyer...
as well as the grieving pet owner..
this post brought such solace to me!
thanks again for sharing such a deep subject!
hugs..
Loui♥
As tears stream down my face, I thank you for this post. I am torn with how to handle the situation with our Tom Tom when "it's time" and your words have helped me so very much.
ReplyDeleteCindy at Rosehaven Cottage
Pets have spirits like we do and I know that we will see our pets again. They are as much a part of the afterlife as we are. Glad you were there to help your neighbor.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your neighbor's cat. Our elderly neighbor just had to have her very old Husky euthanized. Their stories sound similar as her son gave her his dog to keep her company after her husband died. They were always together and I know it was really hard on her and her whole family.
ReplyDeleteWe do love our pets, don't we. I hope your neighbour found some peace in the process. Glad you were able to provide support. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Jen - your post touches me hard and raw. What you say is truer than true. And for those who don't think they have that strength - I beg that they dig deep within and find it - as they will regret it with every breath if they don't. My dear cat (Trouble Baby) met "his time" several years ago - he we 22+ years old - and it was "his time" - yet I couldn't bring myself to go with him to the vet - I made my husband take him and Trouble did not ever like him much. I regret that I was not there for him when he needed me most - so, so, selfish. :o(((
ReplyDeleteLovely sentiments...Lovely pictures!
ReplyDeletehow wonderful for you to be there for support and love.
ReplyDelete~~
that will be remembered for a very long time.
your photos are magnificent.
I couldn't live with myself if I let my companion animal go through that alone. As painful an experience as it is, it can also be one of the most intensely loving moments, one of tenderness and caring.
ReplyDeleteGo in peace, little one.
Hi Jen, I just wanted to say even though this makes me so sad to read, I absolutely feel the same way! When the time came for my sweet dog, Ginger I had a friend that said she would take her for me. I am SO glad I made the decision to go! (my friend went along for support) I did not want my dog to feel scared and alone at the vet. It was me, who was holding my sweet Ginger as she went to sleep. I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteYou are the kind of friend everyone should have.
ReplyDeleteWe always have to do what is best for our pets..not what is best for us. That day when you first bring home a new kitten or puppy you never think about that last day when you will sit in the Vets office for the last time..those a tough days..I hated them but they are necessary..and it goes hand in hand with responsible pet ownership:)
ReplyDelete