Last week I was faced with one of the most horrible decisions I have had to make in my life, putting down a beloved pet of 18 years. My dog Freckle's was sick, she had dementia, could not walk far, was having accidents daily and hr quality of life was scarified by old age. She was a great friend, had been through the growing up of my first two set of kids (24/21), and my youngest sons first 3 years. She has been with me over major moves, a divorce, and new marriage. She was there with my in tough times happy times. I am sure the animal lovers know what it is like.
Freckle's was nicknamed Houdini after being able to escape from any yard, run out any door in a split second. She would run away, I would get a sinking feeling, and go out and try to find her in which I rarely did. I would worry for hours and she eventually would come to the door, soggy, smelly and worn out. I walked her many miles and the advantage of that is she knew the area, and did not get lost, the disadvantage, she would be gone for hours and make me a nervous wreck!
Friends and family loved her, she was a sweet dog, and will be missed. I did what was best for her, and put my selfishness of not wanting to let her go aside. She is with our other animals who have walked the rainbow bridge to doggy heaven and is free of pain. That is comforting, knowing she is at peace.
I have had pet's since I was 24, being 41 I am going to take a break, although, sooner or later we will get another pup for my little boy. Each day it gets easier for me, I wake up, go downstairs and anticipate seeing her laying there because I did for 18 years, and that is tough. I do have the memories though that get me through the tough times of missing her.
Hug your pet today and don't take anytime with them for granted, because the loyalty and friendship is not able to be replaced once they are gone.
RIP Freckle's