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The Greatest Gift

Libby's Last Day

July 2, 2009 -

Pet:

Libby

I used to think I would never be able to do it. To make the decision to say good bye. Two weeks ago I had to do it for the third time. Another Boxer. Another Brain tumor.

Each time I wonder:

Is it too soon? They were bad yesterday, but look, a little bounce in their step today!

Did I wait too long? I should have done it yesterday, why did I make them go through today when they look so tired, so ready.

Each time, as I lay on the floor with my baby, telling her how much I love her and what a great dog, great friend she has been, I get my answer in the look in her eyes, her calmness as she awaits eternal slumber. A relaxing sigh, and she is gone.

So many times I have read that “it is a gift we can give our pets” to be able to give them relief when they are in chronic pain. Each time I have made the decision, I knew that I truly was giving my dogs the best gift they could ever ask for then.

I hear others say, “I don’t know if I can do it,” “I don’t know if I can be in there with them.” To this I say, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” For all that they have done for us, the least we can do is be strong enough to let them go and let the last face they see, the last scent they smell be from the one they loved unconditionally.

When is it the right time? For me, I just know. I don’t want to admit it, but deep inside I know. While I can recall the decision for all three of my babies, Libby’s is the most recent. I could see it in her eyes; she was tired. I could see it in her frame; suddenly she looked so small and frail. Bad days started to outweigh the good. She was falling a lot; I didn’t want her to lose her dignity. Sunday was her worst day, I told my son to say goodbye. Monday morning she was brighter with a bounce in her step (or perhaps I was searching hard for the silver lining). I will wait. Monday night she had seizure after seizure, her legs too weak to walk. I was ashamed I had made her stay another day.

So, when your fur-baby’s health is failing, be strong for them. Don’t deny the feeling deep inside your heart. In return for the unconditional love they have given you, give them the greatest gift. Help them go to a better place.

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Comments

08 Jul 2009 8:41 pm

boxersanddoxies said:

I am so sorry for your loss. I know the heartache of watching your boxer pass away from cancer. I lost my sweet girl to lymphoma at 11. It broke my heart into a million pieces to say goodbye. The love they have for us will live on forever in our hearts aw we remember them. Boxers are one of a kind. I will never be without one.

07 Jul 2009 3:21 pm

Boxrlady said:

Rosepearl1 - I am sorry to hear about Sparky. I would certainly refer to my vet on his thoughts. A friend of mine's dog had a tumor on his ear as well. In his case, they were able to remove the tumor.
Good luck!

06 Jul 2009 8:22 pm

rosepearl1 said:

im so sorry . right now my family is debating what to do with my dog Sparky. He has an ear tumor that keeps getting bigger. i dont what advice to give to my family because some days he looks ready but others he looks like hes ready to take on the world.