It appears that we will have to put our dog, Sunshine, to sleep tomorrow. We've known it was coming for a while. In fact, I thought I'd have to do it before we picked Ellie up last year when she started acting a bit, well, off -- think doggy dementia. But, other than following us around where ever we would go (think doggie velcro), and wanting to staying inside instead of outside, she did pretty well.
Christmas - 2008
Fast forward to about a week ago when I noticed a sharp increase in her fluid intake. Since we have a relatively small water bowl, I noticed I was filling in multiple times a day for her while she stood by waiting. She's been sleeping a lot more, not hearing us when we call her (of course, she's been hard of hearing for a long time) and I've noticed her back legs are struggling to lift her up. She's had some quiver in them as well.
Then today, she went out, went across the street to the neighbor's yard and crawled up into the culvert under their drive. Thank goodness Kevin and Josh were leaving for football and saw her or we might never have figured where she was. They managed to call her out and she was having trouble walking. I got her back home, she drank and is now napping. I suspect she is likely in end stage kidney failure.So, we have decided that it is not in her best interests to keep her here. Tomorrow we will have to take her to the vet's office. I can't/won't be there for her departure. I've had to do too many as of late and she was literally Kevin's dog. I probably should be there, but I just don't have it in me to do. I will say my goodbyes before she leaves -- unless Kevin tells me he can't do it or can't do it alone. *sigh*
I will do a tribute post with photos of her soon.
Can this year be over now??
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.
A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
3 comments:
Oh Maria, I'm so sorry. It's so hard to say goodbye. She was very likely trying to make that decision for you.
It looks like she's had a happy, long life... and in the end that's what really matters.
((hugs))
Sorry to hear that. But by her going to the culvert on her own, I think that was her way of saying she is ready to go. Looks like she had a happy life and was well loved. But it is still hard.
You know I SO feel your pain right now and my heart breaks for you in knowing what you're going through. It does sound like she's trying her best to peacefully let you know it's time...and sometimes, that's even harder because right up to the end, they are still thinking about us. Lots of prayers and love to you....
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