He was 13 1/2, so he had lived a long, rich life. He was fine on Friday, woke up sick on Saturday and things went downhill fast. Today the vet said there was nothing more that could be done.
He was the runt of the litter - a standard poodle but small for the breed. He loved anyone who got within 10 feet of him.
Every night about 9:30, he’d sit down next to me and stay there until it was time for bed.
My wife, my daughter and I don’t even want to be in the same room tonight, because we’re all afraid we’ll break up if we look at each other.
A four year old child’s wisdom: Why dogs do not live as long as people? Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The four-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
I’m so sorry. COndolences from me and my five dogs (the cats aren’t very sympathetic). My standard poodle Maggie gives you some vrey bouncy hugs. (She literally does hug me. She’s tall enough to put her paws on my shoulders and leans her head against me.)
It seems that the price we pay for such wonderful, loyal friends is an eventual broken heart. My family had to say our final goodbyes to our little runt (Tamara, 14 years old) in December.
I lost my dog (Buddy) three weeks ago, tonight. Words can’t express the grief I feel for you-my dog was a great friend and companion. The only thing I can say is: Time-it makes it easier. always remember your friend, and treasure your memories.
yes, dogs are great, but when they leave us, they leave a hole in our hearts!
