My darling pup is now 14 years old, and his health is spent. He’s got arthritis, cancer, kidney failure, and back spasms. We were managing OK with medications until this last week, but sadly the illness outstripped the meds these last few days and I knew it was time at last to let him go. I have cuddled and adored him more than ever these last few months, and today we have to go make that awful one-way trip to the vet where they can help him ‘graduate’ to the next stage of his existence.
A friend said to me recently that our pets become a reflection of us, because we train them to be like us. In the end, I very much hope that is true. This pup of mine is so willing to do whatever anyone wants, so happy to play and participate in life with anyone and everyone he meets, even if it is to his own detriment. He gives all of himself to every moment of every day. I would consider myself blessed if those words were spoken of me after I’m gone.
What a precious gift life is! It has been my honor to spend the last 14 years of mine with this bundle of good will, and my heart breaks that it could not be 15 years or more. But, along with that heartbreak is gratitude…huge, heaping thanks that he will not be forced to suffer through the end alone, nor will he be in any pain I can spare him from. I can help make his transition as gentle as possible, surrounded with love and attention.
My borrowed angel is returning home to play in the great big fields and chase all the birds, dragonflies, and other dogs he can find while he waits for me to join him by our mountain lake.
Thank you for being a part of my life, and for the many lessons I’ve learned along the way, my boy!
Overly Honest 