the most difficult life lessons

sweet Kismet girl...

our vet told us yesterday that our old gal is in her end days.  She is in hospice mode.  For the past year or so, she has swiftly been aging.  She sleeps most of the time, has severe arthritis, is mostly blind and deaf and has been showing signs of senility.  But, she's still a love.  Our love. 

Over the holidays her mobility became greatly challenged, she was shaking a lot and i knew i needed to take her to the vet.  but i was so afraid to take her.  i didn't want to hear what i knew she would tell me.  and she did.  I reiterated that we did not want to keep her around for our own selfish reasons...she has been too much of a blessing to us.  We want her to be pain free and we want to do right by her.  So, they decided not to vaccinate her and discontinued her heartworm meds...sent us home with pain meds for her arthritis which is the source of her lack of mobility and shaking and told us to love on her for her remaining days...however many there may be. 

It's the one and only drawback of having pets.  They never outlive you.  But what we explained to the kids {yes, we did tell them}, was that the wonderful 12 years that we have had with her makes it worth all the heartache that we feel now.  We adopted her from the Humane Society when she was a year old.  We brought her to live with us, to give her a good life, but the truth is that she has given us a good life. 

So for now, she will be pampered, snuggled, belly rubbed, treated to her favorite sandwich cookie treats from Petco and given real meat for dinner.  Most of all, we will love her....forever.

♥

Comments

[chania]

I lost 2 of my aging dogs in one year so the Palliative doggie care is still fresh on my mind. It's a very difficult time requiring lots of your energy time and worry. I hope your dog has some wonderful days left with you for cuddles and love.

[jenny]

<3 it is so hard. thinking of you guys!

[kristina]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Lori. :( I've lost a few furry family members as well and it's never easy. Sigh. Maggie is almost 9 years old and it breaks my heart to think about losing her one day. Sending you BIG hugs and praying for you and your family.

[Tammy]

I am so sad reading this post. I've had two dogs in similar situations. One I put to sleep after he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg. I wanted to remember him the way he was. Full of life and happy. My second dog was more like yours. He was just getting too old so we put him to sleep to. I will never forget either event and I love how you put it to your children. It's never easy to lose a family member. Best wishes to you and your family during this difficult transition!

[Km]

Heartfelt Prayers and love to your entire family!!

[Karin R]

So sorry to hear that. We have also gone through that very difficult decision here; it was hard to decide when we were ready vs. when she is suffering too much, because we always wanted "just one more day." Praying for you and your family as well.

[Cori]

I'm so sorry to hear your news. You are right - pet love is worth all the heartache... But, it doesn't make it any easier. Sending a hug to your baby. And good thoughts to your family.

[mik]

we adoree her... give her loves from her family in georgia. xoxoxo

[Candy H]

So sorry to hear about Kismet. This brought tears to my eyes since our dog, Xena, after being in our family for over 15 years passed away not even two weeks ago. The pain in my heart and sadness is still there but has gotten better with each day.

[Shelley Smith]

Lori, I found your post today and was so touched by your wonderful, caring thoughts about your sweet dog,Kismet. You are so right when you say : We brought her to live with us, to give her a good life, but the truth is that she has given us a good life. I can't think of any statement that is more true and from the heart than that. May your precious Kismet be free of pain and enjoy all the love you give her until the end. Hugs to Kismet and to you and your family.