Precious

"Bye Bye" (by Mariah Carey) is playing in the background as I am posting. Not intentional by any means. I've got my iPod on shuffle, but for what it's worth, the song is very fitting for this moment in time. Today was by far one of the saddest days of my life. On my way home from work I received a message from Bradley's mother (Lorie) to please call her ASAP. I was sure the message was linked to their 13 year old Lab, Precious. Over the last year her health has been declining steadily. I've treated her with every form of medical attention I knew possible. She'd been a real fighter, vigorous until the end. When I went to the house to see her for myself, my heart instantly sank to my gut. My hope dissipated at the site of her. Seeing her unable to walk or control her back end was painful. I was faced with the one question I hate more than anything, "is it time?" I'm not good at making that call, ever. Seeing her worn condition though, I knew in my heart it would be wrong to make her endure more suffering beyond this point.

The drive to Banfield was long and silent. Even though I knew what was coming, I don't think I fully realized it until we were in the exam room. Thank God for Christina & Dr. Sonmor. There was no way I could have done it without them. Though I've had my issues with Bradley, in that moment none of it matter. When life and death enters the scene, it takes center stage over all other matters. Seeing Christina hold off Precious' vein as the euthanasia solution was injected broke my heart. Watching her body give way was surreal. The day I'd dreaded was staring me in the face, taking a life, and making no apologies. Inside I was screaming "Stop, stop!!! Let's think of what else we can do! This isn't the time!" Even though I knew it my heart there was nothing else we could do. As Dr. Sonmor said, "this is the last nice thing we do for her, end her suffering." I've built such a connection with her over the years. Saying goodbye was much harder than I anticipated. The special thing about a dog, is the loyalty they have, no matter how bad a person treats you, they will still love you. No matter if your best friend forgets you, they won't. That's what I think of when I think of Precious. The loyalty she had. In her eyes I could see that she knew her pain was about to end. God it hurts so much knowing that it's over now. I pray for peace and closure for her family. I can only imagine the pain they're feeling right now, knowing she's not coming back. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Animal lovers know how much it hurts when we lose one of our furry friends.

You can rest now Precious. You're suffering is over. Sleep now...