Being that today is Dia de los Muertos, I found it quite appropriate to mention our dog.
To those who knew Logan, it was obvious she was a sickly dog; to those who didn't, even her blindness wasn't readily apparent. She was much too stubborn and proud to show her disadvantage.
We knew that we would lose her before she met normal life expectancy. There is just no way to prepare for it.
We took her to the vet two weeks ago where she was diagnosed with another ailment - kidney disease. We decided to treat it for a week before making any decision. We took her home last Saturday to see how she responded for a few days being off the IV.
Toward the end, her quality of life became the only factor. She stopped eating and drinking all together. Although she still loved to roam the back yard, she often became disoriented.
Late Tuesday night, we decided to put her to sleep. We stayed up with her for most of the night and slept in the living room to be close to her one last time. Wednesday morning, I called to make the necessary appointment and we took her to the vet one last time; when we arrived, all the receptionists fought to keep back tears as we brought her to the room.
It's an odd feeling holding a dog as it loses its life.
Even as she grew older and her chin showed a hint of grey, she was always our little puppy.
Our house is much quieter and my morning ritual has been altered. My clothes will no longer have the tell-tale signs of pet ownership and I no longer have to worry about sharing my dinner.
To those who knew Logan, it was obvious she was a sickly dog; to those who didn't, even her blindness wasn't readily apparent. She was much too stubborn and proud to show her disadvantage.
We knew that we would lose her before she met normal life expectancy. There is just no way to prepare for it.
We took her to the vet two weeks ago where she was diagnosed with another ailment - kidney disease. We decided to treat it for a week before making any decision. We took her home last Saturday to see how she responded for a few days being off the IV.
Toward the end, her quality of life became the only factor. She stopped eating and drinking all together. Although she still loved to roam the back yard, she often became disoriented.
Late Tuesday night, we decided to put her to sleep. We stayed up with her for most of the night and slept in the living room to be close to her one last time. Wednesday morning, I called to make the necessary appointment and we took her to the vet one last time; when we arrived, all the receptionists fought to keep back tears as we brought her to the room.
It's an odd feeling holding a dog as it loses its life.
Even as she grew older and her chin showed a hint of grey, she was always our little puppy.
Our house is much quieter and my morning ritual has been altered. My clothes will no longer have the tell-tale signs of pet ownership and I no longer have to worry about sharing my dinner.
However, I do find a modicum of comfort knowing Logan has her vision and complete health restored to her. She's somewhere, happily playing with Zazu, Sasche, Ladybug, and the rest of the dogs that died way too young.
