Milly was almost 14 and had some arthritis but was generally happy. Last weekend she took a downturn and by Monday she had stopped eating and refused to be touched. It was obvious it was not arthritis, most likely it was the osteosarcoma that afflicts a huge number of greyhounds.
At 11am I called for a home euthanasia. It was scheduled for 4-6pm. Over those few hours of waiting it became unbearable to watch and I called the vet twice to try to get them here quicker.
In the space of six weeks I have buried my father, lost my job and started another, got my mother into aged care and made the call to farewell my dog.
Sometime recently I read that life is loss and I thought the writer was overstating it a little bit but I'm rethinking that.
Milly was a sweet, sweet old girl who knew her own mind. She loved an ice cream or a plate of human food much more than the best kibble and sardines. She would employ the "paw of more" in a quest for unending pats.
She was beautiful and dignified and I miss her.
I am so sorry Milly is gone! Your last six weeks have been ones of loss, really close to home losses. It takes fortitude to keep on keeping on. One of my last few long-time friends broke her hip and was put into memory care!
ReplyDeletePractical Parsimony
Thank you, Linda.
DeleteFortunately my mum still has ok cognitive abilities, although I see that declining. She's physically very frail and the neurological disease shes always had has progressed to the point where her hands are the same as if she'd had a spinal injury. She needs help for all usual tasks
Ohhh, I am so sorry. Even as an oldie, she has a gorgeous face. It is a week, or rather a couple of days of bloggers having to make the decision. In my blog list you can find Steve, Shadow Steve, who had to do the same. We got to know his Olga very well and many of us feel so sad.
ReplyDeleteAndrew i adopted Milly when her previous person died. I only had her 3 years but they were precious.
DeleteI must go see Steve, losing a pet is always so sad
She was a sweet, sweet old girl who knew her own mind *cough*. Are you referring to your beloved dog or to your blogging friends?
ReplyDeleteHaha! Birds of a feather and all that
DeleteI'm so sorry, Kylie. You've had a tough old time of it. I think I also agree with that writer.
ReplyDeleteSx
The more I think about it, the more its true
DeleteThis breaks my heart Kylie, you have had so much loss in the last wee while. What a sweet girl she was and will remain so in your heart.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathy, I've been there.
XO
WWW
Its interesting, I never felt like I bonded with her so well as I have with others but it was just as hard to let go. A different style of attachment, maybe
DeleteI understand and feel for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Graham
DeleteOh dear friend. My heart aches with and for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear one
DeleteThat's a lot of tough stuff to go through in a short time. I'm sorry for your losses. It's difficult when you have to put down a pet.
ReplyDeleteThsnk you, Red. It became very easy as her pain level increased
DeleteThis has been a season of loss and change for you. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne.
DeleteMY GOODNESS, what a time you have had lately. I am sorry you have all this going on, sometimes life really needs a pause button. Megan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan. Its a lot but I'm taking things one day at a time and finding things to enjoy
DeleteFunny how in some phases, life just drifts along with no particular fuss and at other times loads of stuff happens. Farewell to Milly. I am sure that you and your family gave her the best life you could and loved her too.
ReplyDeleteIm not the most fun owner for a dog but they are loved.
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