-There are many things in this world that I should be concerned about this day, but there is only one that I can think about....the passing of our dear old Springer Spaniel Fergie. Barb and I took "Fergs" to our longtime vet Dr. Mike Harres for the last time just after 9 o'clock this morning.The only consolation we have is in the belief that she's better off now than she was yesterday. We knew the time was approaching where we would have to do something...she was losing control of herself and had been deaf for some time. Recently she had begun to lose her eyesight as well. But yesterday...oh yesterday...was hard for an animal lover to take.
We were watching the last episode of Band of Brothers in our home theater when Barb noticed something was not right. I looked down to see our dear family member in the midst of a seizure. We thought the end had come then. But, to our amazement, she recovered and seemed OK for the rest of the day. Try as we might, we couldn't connect with Dr. Harres on the Independence holiday. Then, during the night Fergie had another seizure. So, we pretty much knew that this morning's visit to the animal hospital was not going to be pleasant.
After discussing the situation with "the Doc", we all agreed that her condition was not going to improve. So we made the toughtest of decisions, and were with her as she drew her last breath.
If you've had a wonderful pet like Fergie, you understand how we feel now. We will remember the romping puppy we brought home in 1993. We will look to the places in the house she used to make herself comfortable, to find her not there. We'll remember the joy she took in helping us open presents on birthdays and on Christmas. The joyful face she displayed upon receiving a belly rub, back scratch, or Milk Bone will only be available in our memories. The smiling, happy greetings upon our returning home will be no more. Barb is preparing a special place in her garden for the ashes. I have an empty place in my heart.
Our pets bring so much joy to our lives...and yet so much pain when they leave. But leave they must.
Rest well Fergie. You are loved.
2 comments:
I am so sorry for your loss.
I really suggest you read, "Marley & Me," it is definitely a good book for dog lovers.
I've had my dog since 1995, and I dread the day even though I know it will have to come eventually.
A DOG'S PRAYER
By Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest--and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Tom:
Really sorry to hear about your dog's passing. We have a 18 yr. old
Yorkie/Whippet mix ( rescue ) dog
that enjoys excellent health, but I know that the day I dread will eventually be upon us. I really appreciate Ashley's posting of that moving prayer..I am sending
it to everyone I can think of.
Brooks
Post a Comment