I had a discussion with Eric on Saturday about the dog. It's really time to have her put down. But he said he just can't put her in the car (Hey! Great! A car ride! Where we goin'??? WHAT??? You drove me over here to KILL ME????) and do that.
He may not have to. He loaded up some of this and that and decided to go camp overnight out toward Estacada somewhere. Completely out of cell phone range. Of course. I know this because I tried to call him about an hour ago. 3 times.
As I write this, it's Saturday evening about 8:45. Maggie is lying on the floor next to my bed. She landed there about a quarter to 8. Shitting. Now it's been cleaned up. She's on a rug. But she can't get up. She's panting. Shaking occasionally. Out of it.
Matt has to leave for work a little before midnight. Leaving me with no vehicle. So I called Tami and told her what is going on. Hoping I don't have to call her at 3 AM to have them take her and me to the veterinary hospital down in the middle of Portland. She said "Of course, anything we can do for you." What a gift to have a friend like that!
Eric won't be home until Sunday sometime. Not sure what time. Part of me wants her to hang on so he can say goodbye and agree that it's time. Part of me wants her to get it over with. So I don't have to do it.
::sigh::
This is why I won't have another dog. It hurts too much to lose them.
They love unconditionally, they're nicer people than most people, and they never lie to you, have any ulterior motive in being nice, and they're always happy to see you, even if you wake them up in the middle of the night.
Edited to add:
About 7:45 this evening, when it all started happening, after failing to get Eric on his weekend warrior cell phone, I sent out with all my might to him, "COME HOME."
And he had his sleeping bag all rolled out. Boots off. And just got this.. feeling. Was on the road by 8. And home about 9 PM.
The dog has been cleaned up. Was able to get up on her own, but could not get up the steps from outside when we got her out there. Eric and Matt used a towel as a sling and helped her up the steps.
She is resting, seemingly comfortable.
Eric isn't able to make that decision still. And I can't do it alone. We have to be in agreement.
But he heard me call him. At the time I called.
::goosebumps:::
I have goosebumps, too. I agree with everything you said about dogs, versus people and I'm in total agreement.
ReplyDeleteBeing in agreement is vital. It's hard to do it (been there, done that), but maybe if he looks at it as ending her suffering, that might help him. But, yeah, it's rough. :(
ReplyDeleteSometimes the animal can let you know that it's time and it's alright. I hope y'all can get that message, too. Very cool about the other call you got through.
ReplyDeleteAsk the vet to come to your house. It's expensive, but there's much less stress for the dog. Think of it as the last gift you can give her. If she can't control her back end (walking, pooping) it's probably scaring her, whether it hurts or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the same "death watch" with my oldest cat, and I'm sorry for what you're going through.
As I began to read....my first thought was " a good friend would." Then I read, Tami.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you both have not come to that road yet.
Maybe your vet would come to your house.......
Hopefully Eric will come to the realization that LOVE means many things.....and letting Maggie's suffering end is an ACT OF LOVE.
I've learned to love ....said never again and.......... then another dog to love came into my life more than a few times. It's NEVER EASY, but the gift of love and a life that you and your dog give to each other ( shelter, food, love )for him or her and for you Unconditional Love makes it all worth it.
(((hugs)))
some vets will come to your home, as Suz said it might be more expensive but...
ReplyDeleteI am going to say something here, that might not be well recuieved , but here it is .Whne our pets are suffering , it becomes a duty to help them . I understand that Eric doesn't feel ready but ,it is not about his readiness it is about hers. Sometimes we just need to overcome our feelings and love them enough to let go .
THis was not menat to judge or chastise ,I truly do not mean to offend ,It is just something I felt compelled to say(delete if you wish)
Oh my gosh. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteCrying.
So sad.
I am so sorry you have to go through this. This is a heart breaking place to be in and my heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a tough decision to put a dog down, but when you think of what the dog is going through, then ......you know what you have to do. My sister had to put her beloved Nickolai down. It was so, so hard to do. She couldn't bring him in, as he was a big Husky and she lives alone. I was on the road. Finally she begged her vet to make a house call....and she did! It was a respectful and peaceful death for Nickolai, AND my sister said her goodbyes at home.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best during this trying time. Think of all the good times you had with this dog. And I'm a true believer in seeing the dog on the other side. Good luck.
I've had both, terrible either way. God bless.
ReplyDelete((((hugs))))
ReplyDeleteI know how difficult a time it is. Sending you lots of support.
Thinking of you, I know how sad and terrible it is. :-(
ReplyDelete