Pets

Friends of ours discovered this past week that their dog had bone cancer. They suspected this might be the case when the exact same symptoms showed up in this Rottweiler that had in a previous one they owned when he was diagnosed with it. Though they had their suspicions, they were hopeful that the trip to the vet that afternoon would reveal something non life threatening. Arthritis perhaps, or a sprained leg. It wasn't to be the case.

Having witnessed what their last dog had endured with this particular diagnosis, they knew what they must do. As heart wrenching a decision as it was, they knew they didn't want him to suffer, and he was already showing signs of discomfort. They made an appointment for a few days out, needing that time to try and digest what was happening. When the day came, somehow they managed to carry through with their decision and less than a week after the diagnosis, he was laid to rest.

If you've ever had to make this decision for a beloved pet, then you understand the almost unbearable heaviness that accompanies it. My husband and I had to once, and it's an experience we'll never forget. I've always joked that my husband has enough testosterone for ten men (or more!). He works in the trades and has a very physical job. He hunts, he fishes, he works on cars, on boats, he spends eight hours climbing to the top of a mountain for fun. He'd wear a cowboy hat if he lived in Montana like he wishes he did. Luckily, he doesn't engage in the nasty habit of chewing tobacco. That would be a deal breaker for sure! My point is, he doesn't cry easily. But the day we brought our Golden Retriever to be put down, he couldn't hold back the tears. How could he? This was his baby.

My sister in laws cat passed away recently. She'd had this cat for about twenty years. She had a bond with her cat that only the two of them understood. Her cat was there when her attacker shot her and left her for dead. Her cat was there, every day and night, laying by her side as she went through the agony of healing and it was there, giving her love, as she attempted to figure out how to move forward in her life as a paraplegic. Only her cat shared in that traumatic experience with her and no one understood like her Cocoa.

Why would anyone willingly subject themselves to being a pet owner when the inevitable outcome will be to one day bury them? Isn't life filled with enough loss? Don't we humans experience enough painful goodbyes without setting ourselves up for more? Well, if you've ever had a four legged family member, I need not go any further. You just know.

To my friends who are hurting, I hope you find comfort in knowing that you're not alone in your pain. When your hearts begin to heal and the hurting starts to subside, all the things that made your pup so special to you will remain.

xo,
Carrie