Being Prepared for the Loss of our Pet(s)
My little Sheltie, Sheila, has had a cough. It started late last week and became progressively worse to my ears. I took her to the vet yesterday and left her overnight for a chance at a thorough examination. She is a former puppy mill momma, now about 14 y/o. Dr. Monica Keith did some xrays. Her heart is enlarged plus she has something between her heart and trachea - it showed up bright white on the xr. Dense tissue - bone, lung consolidation, plates, etc. show up the best on xr (ask any Lab owner who has had to relieve their young Lab of swallowed rocks). This may be a calcified lymph node. I hope. The current plan, after discussion with Dr. Keith regarding all options including an echocardiogram with biopsy in St. Louis, is to re - check and re-xr in two weeks to see if it is growing. I will then decide about St. Louis.
Sheila Sheltie - one of my personal dogs - ready for Halloween.
Those of us with pets need to be prepared. Here at Silverwalk, Margie and the Dachshund mix puppies are unusual; most of the dogs are at least adults, if not seniors. I have multiple boxes filled with the ashes of dogs who have passed. The plan is for a Memorial Garden out front in an old iris bed.
- Death is part of life - sometime completely by surprise, more often a known reality that a particular dog's life is nearing her end.
- We need not feel guilty if we cannot afford the ultimate treatments for our ill and perhaps dying dogs. They had what was more important than any treatment money could buy - your love and care.
- The most important thing, to me, is to keep a dog comfortable and to decide what three things are most important to that dog's quality of life.
- When those things are not longer available to that dog and the spark has gone from her eye, it is then time to call on our resources of compassion and love, taking that dog either to the vet or asking your vet to make a house call in order to send your beloved dog to heaven in your arms and in love. This is NEVER easy.
God made all creatures. He preserved more animals in the Ark than humans. He knows when a sparrow falls. He knows your dog and is waiting for her with room in His mansion and fields of heaven. Be not afraid as your dog approaches her final days - she is Loved.
Please, if you need help in making a decision for your dog or want someone to accompany you as you send her to Heaven, feel free to let me know. I would be honored to help and be there for you and her. If I cannot be there for you, I will try to find someone who can. I also know of a pet grief counselor to whom I could refer you. This is a true time of grieving. Let me repeat that - this is a true time of grieving. Let no one discount your grief and despair over your loss or impending loss. We are here for you and your pets - in sickness and in health, in life and in death.
I was not anticipating the news I received about Sheila. I was thinking bronchitis. It may be nothing. I have walked this road before with Raggedy Ann, my "Bossy Aussie," who had an enlarged heart and at the time of her death was on five heart meds as well as with many others. I think I am prepared. I hope it is just a lymph node. No matter what, I plan to err on what is best for her within my means. Please remember us in your prayers. Everyone else is well - today.
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