This week we had to make the last decision for the original Bugnorton (actually Zoom Bug Norton), our 17 year old beautiful, loving cocker spaniel. I just want to pay a tribute to her. She was one bad-a** little dog (never weighed over 23 lbs.) and she would take on a pit bull in a heart beat. We used to call her Psycho Cocker while singing the Talking Heads song to her. She was a funny, loving, cranky, possesive, wonderful little friend and I miss her terribly. Of course this wasn’t exactly unexpected (at her age and all) but, as those of you who have had the joy of pet companionship know, it is still very hard. Thanks for letting me use this forum to speak out one last time about the joy this pheonominal creature who shared my life for so many years brought to my world.
Condolences. I love dogs and cats, and I know how hard it is to lose a pet.
Let me tell you what you already know.
The decision to put an animal down is the lousiest, hardest, most unfair thing about owning or being responsible for an animal. Dogs, I think, are as hard as it gets because of the beast’s unconditional affection and trust. It is, I am afraid, part of the deal. It is your duty to treat them well in life and to give them a quick, painless and dignified end when the end comes. It doesn’t make it any easier to do just because it is you obligation, but it is your obligation.
That you did do your duty and did not let the poor thing suffer to no purpose is slight consolation but it is all I have to offer.
Thank you. Spavined Gelding that is what always gets to me. I look into those kind, loving eyes, eyes that trust me completely to do the right thing, eyes that are absolutely confident I can do no wrong and I logically know the right thing, but deciding it’s time for a loved one to die and then acting on it is so hard. Knowing that the remorse is merely my own selfishness doesn’t make it any easier. In short, it sucks out loud. Everytime I meet up with a new animal companion, I know this day will come but nothing ever really prepares me for it. It is comforting to hear from others that they know and understand the love and the grief.