With three senior dogs in our home, there are many moments of worry and anxiety about health issues. It isn't constant. We still have lots of cuddle time and they still are well enough to do their nightly walks with dad.
Our oldest, Alex (affectionately known as Alex Bean), is almost 15. An amazing age for a springer spaniel. Alex has been our biggest challenge with emotional and physical problems that have taken us to the vet almost weekly. There are also lots of Tufts Animal Hospital visits interspersed for specialist appointments, and, oh yeah, trips to the local doggie ER.
We love him to pieces because he is a sweet, gentle old soul.
But it is becoming increasingly clear to us that the time is coming that we will have to say goodbye to our little guy. Probably sooner than later. If the decision is made, it will be agonizing and heartbreaking but done completely unselfishly.
Holding an animal's life in your hands is a huge responsibility. I'm trying to let the process just happen and trust that we will do the right thing by Alex. I was thinking this morning how we don't truly own our pets. We are only their caretakers. Their lives are their own. We are here to help them live those lives as happily and healthy as possible.
When the time comes that they can no longer live the lives they deserve, then we take great care in helping them cross the bridge. But again, it's all about caring, not about owning. Too many times, I see pet "owners" who forget that their pet is its own being, not an extension of themselves.
I hope that we have many more happy times with Alex Bean. But, if his body can no longer sustain the life that is his, we will be there to help him let it go.
Yup, that's pretty much all we can do, though if you have never watched the life go out of your pet in a moment, it's incredibly hard. It's been almost a year since Murphy passed and having him put down still comes to mind daily. Though, the fact that he was so young and that we had him for such a short time, is probably what eats at us most. Good luck with Bean. He is a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteThe bond we have with our pets is so intense that we know when the time has come. Eye to eye contact is what tells us.
ReplyDeleteI only hope I can use this method when my time has come. From my dogs who have gone on I have learned it is OK to ask to go.
I just want to be able to respect that it's their decision and I'm just facilitating. I hope that I can read my dogs like both of you did and know when it's time to let them go.
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