Doing the Right Thing, but Sadly

This was our oldest dog, Buddy, just a few hours before Mr. Fix-it took him on his last trip to the vet's. I was up early with him to see how he was doing after he'd had a tough day on Friday. He'd been on daily Prednisone for the slipped disc in his back for the last year or so and was doing really well for a 16 + 1/2 year old dog; then on Friday his legs went out from under him and he couldn't have gotten up without my help.

I gave him an extra dose of the steroid Friday and he was fine all evening--he got up slowly Saturday morning, but under his own steam. He walked around the yard and I snapped some photos of him. For half-an-hour or so I told myself that he was doing so much better that maybe we should see how things went with the higher dosage of medication. I had really been hoping he'd still be here when Danger Boy came home for Christmas.

By 8 a.m. though I realized that all my reasons for not wanting to euthanize him were for us, for the people in our family not wanting to see him go, rather than for him.I thought about how awful it would be if he were to fall down the hillside in our backyard and be stuck there while we were at work and school and I just couldn't take that risk.

I knew it was time.

We spent the morning giving him lots of treats and I sat with him and stroked his head for the last half-hour before it was time for him to go. I remembered how when we first got him (he was two and a half years old, a rescue dog) a four-year old DB asked if when he died we could keep his ears because they were so silky-soft.

Both of our dogs are Danger Boy's first and foremost, but we all love them.

Our little Beaux definitely knew something was up as soon as Mr. Fix-it carried Buddy out to the car. She's definitely one sad pup--missing her big brother something fierce.

She's not the only one.

RIP, dear Buddy.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

Oh, Jenn, I'm so sorry!

[teepe]

Been there. Done that. Still, almost 20 years later I get choked up, looking at the pictures of my two beloved dogs. No to mention how feelings well up when I think about -T- who met with the same fate three years ago.

[gary rith]

OH SWEET little dog! Terribly sorry, gosh....

[Katie]

Always hard to lose a pet, sorry for your family's loss. :(

16 1/2 years, what a great, long, happy life with your family!

[falnfenix]

i'm so sorry. :( at least he had a happy, long life with your family.

[Busy Bee Suz]

Oh, this is a tear jerker for me. The hardest part of having pets is saying goodbye. You did good.

[Smalltown Me]

One of the most difficult things we may ever have to do.

[MidLyfeMama]

So sad. We had to say goodbye to our beagle Buster a few months ago. It was the right time too, but still, sad.

[Nic]

Aw, gosh. I'm sorry.

[green girl in wisconsin]

Such a tough thing. Hugs to all of you.

[Arli]

I went through this 5 weeks ago and know how heartbreaking it is. I am sorry for the loss of your sweet doggie and most loyal friend. You did the right and humane thing, as hard as it was. Sending you a big hug.

[Suzy]

And THIS is why I can't get another dog.

RIP Buddy.

[Brightside-Susan]

Oh, I am so sorry. Our little Hilda is getting more age related problems and each time the kids come home thay are so glad she is still here. I know I will be as sad as you when we can no longer keep her with us.

[Becca]

Oh i did that same thing last year around this time. sooooo hard. hug.

[bramble]

So, so sorry. I am experiencing the downward slide of our 14 yr old rescue and so not wanting to go there. Your family will be in my thoughts today. Remember all the love and fun he brought to your family.

[Jenrantsraves]

So sad! But, of course, you did the right thing.

[marty]

My sympathy Jenn. Such a hard thing to do for our furry family. I'm watching my 15 year old girl and hoping to be spared having to go through this again. But you know it's the last act of love we can perform for them. Hugs today.

[Kim]

It's always so sad to lose a pet. RIP Buddy.

[magpie]

So sorry about your pup.

[Denise]

I am so sorry. Those last few minutes are so full of sadness. Hugs to you and your family.

[MIME]

Oh dear, I'm so sorry. Love isn't always easy, though it must be really tough on DB---being so far away.

[JCK (Motherscribe)]

Oh Jenn, I'm so very sorry. My heart aches for you, and the picture of DB and Buddy brings tears. Buddy was so lucky to have you all as his family. Sending big hugs!!

[lanes]

So kind -- but still so sad.

[Deb D]

I'm so sorry Jenn. Our pets become such a part of our family. I remember like it was yesterday having to make the same decision for my sweet Mindy and then having to make the phone call to Computer Dude and Engineering Guy. ((hugs to all of you))

[ccr in MA]

I'm so sorry. It's awful to know when it's time. I wish they could live with us longer.

[Wenderina]

Heartbreaking. But you made the right choice. It doesn't mean you won't be crying in the shower for a month (yes, I did), but it does mean you can know your Buddy is at peace.

[Jocelyn]

Oh, sweetheart. I saw this on FB, too, and felt so bad for you all.

Do we take consolation at a time like this? if so, I'd console you with the idea that going out as Buddy did--completely beloved and surrounded by family--is the ideal for all creatures. You gave him that.

[kellyg]

I'm so sorry, Jen. That must have been so hard.

[mom taxi julie]

Oh man I'm so sorry! It really sucks :(

[Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy]

I'm so sorry, Jen.

[Reluctant Blogger]

So sorry. He was such a gorgeous dog. But thing of all the happiness he brought you all.

[bethany]

so sorry :(. hugs all around.