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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

the sad sadness

The inevitable happened today.  We helped China go to dog heaven.


I'm actually quite surprised she made it this long after being diagnosed with liver problems in early 2016, but she was a tough old girl.  She clocked in at somewhere between 16 and 17 years old.

She'd really been declining the last couple of weeks, could barely walk and just didn't seem happy anymore.  I found a veterinarian who does in-home euthanasia, and I'd say it was the next best thing to her going naturally and peacefully in her sleep.

Chaco and Wolfgang came over yesterday to say their goodbyes, and Magnum and Meego gave theirs this morning before heading off to work and school.  Truthfully, I was a bit anxious about being the lone accompanier, but on the other hand, no way was she going without me being there.

Happily, Chaco showed up about an hour before the appointed time.  After a meeting at work, he told them where he was going, and the boss and coworkers understood.

The vet was a nice balance of medical professional and sympathetic dog lover.  He gave China a quick once over and agreed it was time.


It's almost like she knew.  When Magnum and I took her outside last night for her last slow, short walk, she seemed to linger longer than she had been lingering lately.  Sniffing more things on the ground, taking in the night sky a little longer.  A few last things to remember her time on earth by, I guess.

Rest in Peace, sweet pooch, free from that old worn out body.  I hope she's running again and rolling in all kinds of awful smelling things.





16 comments:

Marcy said...

I'm so sorry--hugs. I hope she's rolling in all the smelly things, too.

Abby said...

Thanks Marcy. I have a feeling she's doing just that.

LL Cool Joe said...

Oh no I'm so sorry. My mother got an in-house vet when she had her cat put to sleep. It does seem to be the calmest and kindest way for a beloved pet to end their days. I'm sure you'll miss China a great deal. :(

Anita said...

Sweet Sweet China. I've enjoyed her stories over the years. I smile as I think of her.

She was lucky/blessed to have such a good mama, papa, and siblings... two legged, four legged, reptile, aquatic...

I'm sure she'll be missed.

Larz said...

I'm very sorry for the loss of your sweet companion. It's never easy.

Morgan Cartwright said...

I'm sorry to hear about your sweet pup. :(

Abby said...

Thanks Joey. I didn't know of in-house vets until my SIL had to euthanize her dog several years ago. It's a great service.

Abby said...

Thank you Anita. Hopefully she knows how much we'll miss her.

Abby said...

Thanks Larz. No, not easy. But worth it.

Abby said...

Thanks, Morgan.

ShadowRun300 said...

I am so sad for you all. You always wrote about her with such love that it breaks my heart that she's not with you anymore. But how great that you were able to bring a vet into your home. I wish I'd known about those services when it was Chancie's time to go.
Sending lots of hugs your way....

Tee said...

This makes me so sad. I feel like I knew China through all of your stories. And being a full-blown dog-lover, I just know how much it hurts to say goodbye. I've been there too many times myself. But when it's time, you just know it. And you did the most compassionate thing you could for her. I'd like to think how she might have connected with my Shelby and Bella on the other side, and they're all having a ball-chasing, stuff-sniffing, grass-rolling good time!

Hugs to you, my friend.

Abby said...

Thanks, ShadowRun. It wasn't all that long ago that you had to say goodbye to Chancie. It's a difficult thing, but having China take her last breath in her own bed made it a little easier.

Abby said...

Thanks, Tee. I know how much you love your lucky dogs and miss Shelby and Bella. We've all heard of the rainbow bridge. I sure hope it's real!

agg79 said...

Abby, I am so very sorry about China. I understand yourloss and how much she was a part of the family. I admire your courage and strength to give her a dignified and peaceful goodbye at home. I still mourn the loss of Claire and wish I could have done the same for her but I am not sure I would have the strength to say goodbye. China was one of your family and I love how you opened your home to her. It is hard to say goodbye to our furry kids, even if we know it is coming. I am crying for you and China and hope to meet her on the other side.

And apologies for my extended absence. I've been dealing with a few issues down here as well and hope to come back to the blog world shortly. I regret not being here earlier. Sorry.

Abby said...

Aw, thanks, Agg. It's great to hear from you and means a lot. In many ways, it's like she's still here, and I expect to see her lounging in her favorite spot, or hear her walking over to say hi. I know what a caring dog lover you are, and we can only hope we'll see them again.

Hope your "issues" aren't too serious, and I look forward to getting caught up soon.