Dear Zoe, you’ve been with us since you were nearly six weeks old and had already been spayed by the shelter.
We took you in and you’ve had great food and companionship ever since and now it’s a few months until your tenth birthday. Of course as your “mom” I always prepare for and hope against the worst.
I think you ate something nasty off the street while my dear husband was walking you and got sick from it. I firmly believe that with the cool summer weather your body told you to grow an undercoat, then shed it, which you are doing all over, thank you very much as the downy tufts accent our wood floors.
The last time I petted my younger family member’s old dog all her fur was coming out as she neared death. My brother and sister were with her through the euthanization (said they’d never do it again), I sent Mom up front to pay the bill, got her bed and toys from the kennel, herded the family to the car and swore I’d never do it like that again. xo Zoe from the only “mom” you’ve ever known, Dee
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We helped a friend euthanize her pet a few years ago and my husband wouldn’t be with me and neither would the pet’s owner. I wanted to be there so he wouldn’t be alone. In the end the owner took my hand and both of us had our other hand on the dog and we saw him go.
I’ve done this too many times and dread the thought of our dear Zoe passing. I will assure that she will not suffer, but no matter how many funerals my husband has served as pallbearer, I know that I will have to lead the discussion on euthanasia and be the “point man” on its execution at which he must be present. Zoe deserves that both her folks be present.
It will be a sad day for us when she goes because we picked the right dog for us and they are few and far between. For now, no more cleaning and laundry for Zoe, she is hungry and sleeping as usual. It seems like a 12 hour “bug” that is working its way out. Good girl. She just moved by my desk. Always the herder.
As to euthanasia I always consider the disease, level of pain and how to control it, and of course quality of life. Look into your pet’s needs and not yours and make the decision and be there and hold them through their final moments. Tell the kids in advance and give them an opportunity to be there or wait with grandparents at home or in the waiting room.
Please make sure your vet has people on call when they leave you alone as the sedative kicks in. My old dog stood up five times and I couldn’t call out and had to be there or she would have fallen off the metal shelf they put her on right off the waiting room. Now they’ve an entire wing and each room has a call button and they have a separate checkout desk and exit so a grieving pet owner doesn’t have to walk through the lobby. If I ever move back there, that may be our vet!
In the meantime, I just had Zoe get up so I could put her big bed next to me at my desk and she hopped right up. She’s always happy, but now she’s content and when I’m sure she’s OK I’ll comb her out after her latest bath in 24 hours.
We love our dog and I want to get her blood work done just to make sure she’s OK even though she’s been through many exams over the years. Do your best. They’re called man’s best friend for a reason. Arf! Dee
Cooking with Dee 