We heard what we knew was on the horizon at 2:43 a.m. on September 16. For the past three weeks we had prepared emotionally for this time, but that did not make it any easier. Flint (my husband) walked downstairs and for the next 5 hours stayed at the side of our beloved dog, Weasel who could no longer support her weight and whose breathing was labored. I admit to being too much of an emotional wreck (and a wimp) to join them. Flint actually shared that it would be best for me to stay upstairs. So we all waited for the change we knew would come. At 8:00 a.m. we made the second trip in as many days to the vet who had so lovingly cared for her since we brought her home from the Humane Society in 2000. When Flint and our three kids selected Weasel (the name she had at the Humane Society) they were given several facts -- that she was a German Spitz Chow mix, that she had been abused, that she had been with them for almost 8 weeks and that she was approximately 2 years old. She was such a sweet and mellow dog that she suited our erratic, ever on the run family to a tee. At her first visit to the vet, we learned that she was much closer to 4 that 2, but that she was otherwise in great health.
For the next 9 years, she was the source of much joy and laughter caused by a number of interesting behaviors. First, Weasel would not leave the house without being on a leash (we joked that she remembered a door being opened, running out and never being let in again). Like any Chow, she had a spotted tongue and did not allow her feet to touch puddles of water. She tended to lay down like a bunny rabbit with all four legs very flat to the floor. She also laid down when she ate from her bowl. She also never barked and was not much for playing dog like games such as fetch the ball. Like many loved family pets, she did not think she was an animal at all.
On her last night, Weasel again exhibited some interesting behaviors. She walked all around the house (all three stories) -- as if wanting to experience all parts of her home for the last time. While she started out sleeping in our room, she eventually went downstairs to a corner of the family room to sleep. It was there that she and Flint shared those five hours. Weasel had been diagnosed with aplastic anemia and while her red blood cells were beginning to show signs of regeneration, she had no platelets. But, she continued to cling to life and we got her to the vet and said our goodbyes.
I am thankful for all the moments we shared with our Weasel. I will forever be indebted to Flint for the courage and care he provided to her in her final hours. I will always appreciate the understanding of the veterinary staff as I fell apart and the empathy as they ushered her through with dignity and grace.
2 comments:
June - so sorry for the empty spot in your heart. This poem has been helpful to me in the past.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
So sorry to hear this. I'm thinking of you and your family ...
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