End stage

by

in Dog Days

On Saturday my poorly dog came home from the vet sore and sleepy. She couldn’t even get up and wasn’t drinking or eating but we expected her to be more herself on Sunday.

On Sunday she was worse, wimpering and not moving. Unable to tell whether she was recovering or dying, Matthew and I discussed calling the vet to put her to sleep. I cried and cried. Our guests arrived and Brin wimpered with excitement mixed with pain. We decided to see how she was in the morning. I sat with her, stroking her soft brown head as she looked at me with pain filled eyes.

On Christmas morning she got up like her old self, went outside, had a wee, came in and had a drink and breakfast. But as quickly as she seemed better, she got worse. When I was with her, her wimpering lessened so Christmas night I stayed up, sitting by her bed, grieving for my dying dog.

On Tuesday morning she wouldn’t get up. I called the vet to come and put her down. I asked my father came round to take the boys out while the vet was here. The boys said goodbye to her.

And then she decided to get up, have breakfast, go out to the garden, woof at a passing pheasant and wander back through the house into the living room. She looked bright eyed. The vet arrived and agreed that it was not time. So she spent Boxing Day and yesterday with her family, eating a little bit now and again, joining in the festivities from her bed in the corner. She is very poorly but she is still enjoying family life.

That was all I hoped for this Christmas.

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{ 8 comments }

Sarangeti December 28, 2006

Sending you a big hug…

Harriet December 27, 2006

Ella, my heart goes out to you. Sending you a big hug.

Olivia December 28, 2006

What a rollercoaster of emotions. I know how much Brin means to you and I’m keeping my fingers crosed that you have at least a few more happy days together. x

Jo December 29, 2006

Wishing you and your little dog all the best Ella.

muzik December 31, 2006

I have 3 dogs that I love very much. they are getting on in years so I think about this stuff alot. I feel terrible for you.

whymommy January 2, 2007

What a beautiful Christmas gift. No matter what comes next, you had a beautiful perfect day with Brin and you know that she felt some peace and joy at last. Hugs and good, positive thoughts and prayers for you all.

mommyd January 3, 2007

Oh that must be so hard! As much as my dog drives me crazy I would miss him a lot. At least you had a cuddle withu Brin on Christmas! Think of you often although I have been so infrequent about posting. Happy New Year my friend!

Carmi January 8, 2007

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is so difficult. When our Shadow passed away almost two years ago, I learned so much about loss and life from our kids. Their wisdom and caring in dealing with the end of his life taught me much about what matters, and what doesn’t.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.