There comes a time to say goodbye. As a pet owner, it is often difficult to recognize. There is a struggle --our own selfishness of not wanting to lose our loyal friend on one hand and not wanting her to suffer on the other. We are given a great power when it comes to our pets, one not afforded us with humans. We have the power to end their life without consequences, other than our own turmoil and sadness. The pain of this decision often causes us to wait longer than we should, to put her through more than she should have to endure. But how do you make the decision to end her life, to end the life of an animal that has been nothing but wonderful, loving, and loyal? Are you being disloyal to her? What if it is really not time?
The age-old question asked by every pet owner at some time is why do we become so attached to animals when we know they will die well before we do. And regardless of how many times we go through this, the answer is always the same: because they bring so much joy to our family, so much unconditional love, a completeness that everyone should be so lucky to have.
It is with great sadness that I write this sentence: Audrey is dead. My hands shake as I type those words, tears stain my face. She has been in a downward spiral over the last couple of weeks, but I refused to recognize it. After being out of town for several days, I returned to see the truth. I did not return to see my Audrey, my baby that I saved from a life of violence over nine years ago. I only saw a shell of the dog she used to be. There was a sadness in her eyes that told me it was time to let go.
She was a tough girl, always stoic, never letting on that she was in pain. After her amputation, she never once cried or whimpered. But hearing her cry in her sleep was more than I could bear and far more than she should have to endure.
Goodbye sweet girl. We will miss you terribly. There will be a void in our family that will cause us sadness for a long time to come. You were a wonderful friend. You have been with me through so much. Enjoy your new-found freedom to run and play again. Don't worry, I will do my best to protect the house from the mailman (he is really not malicious, you know). I am not sure how Stanley will cope without you here to boss him around, but I assume he will adapt to his role as the sole protector of the family. Please watch over us. You will never be forgotten.
P.S. Be sure to look for Spencer, one of my best friends who went before you. You two will get along great (he is a lot like Stanley).
4 comments:
I am so, so sorry. :( I know that Spencer will take good care of her -- maybe they can even chase Alison the cat up a tree. Thinking about you...
Oh man I am so sorry that just sucks but thank fully Audrey is no longer in pain.
Rhonda--I'm so sorry to hear about Audrey. I've actually been seeing your posts on facebook about her but didn't know quite what to say. I will tell you that my heart aches for you and I too have tears of sadness for you loss. May all the happy memories of your sweet Audrey bring some joy to your broken heart. xoxo
I just read this and it breaks my heart, even more so given my own recent loss. I hope Audrey & Darwin are running around together right now, 100% free of pain (and deramaxx & glucosamine & tramadol.) Big hug!
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