Just read Breakaway500's post, my condolences. Now my turn.
After the lose of Caleb in 2016 I rescued Abby, she'd been surrendered twice after her owner had passed and was considered unadoptable, based on her history she couldn't be in a household with other dogs. I had to sign wavers acknowledging her past to bring her home, she was about 8 at the time. She wasn't aggressive, it was fear based, she'd never been socialized with other dogs. At first it was a learning experience for both of us. Learned to walk where we had a wide birth to avoid others, but as her confidence grew it became less an issue. We were able to walk with friends with dogs, and as long as everyone did their own thing it worked. She always got along with my cat. In April I began noticing the signs of her aging, those signs were becoming more prevalent. A week ago Wed, something changed and I thought I was going to lose her. She got a bit better and we got in a few more walks. Monday we went on a walk and she was struggling after bit. That night she couldn't get comfortable. She would look at me "daddy I'd love to walk but I'm so tired, please help'. Tuesday morning she and I went to the Emergency vet and I did the kindest/hardest thing and set her free. Since I retired we've been together constantly. As the neighbors saw me without her they started to to bring me cards and things. Everybody around here knew and loved her and they shared my grief at her passing.
I don't know, or care what was wrong, she'd let me know it was her time and I honored that. I knew when I adopted an older dog that this day would come, sooner than I would like, that's what I signed up for.
We had a good life together, lots of adventures, lots of fun, I haven't any regrets, but I truly miss her.
In time, God will put another companion into my life, when I'm ready or there's another unwanted dog that needs me.
The poem below gave me much solace this last week or so, and I hope others are able to find it there too.
RIP Abby, you are missed.
After the lose of Caleb in 2016 I rescued Abby, she'd been surrendered twice after her owner had passed and was considered unadoptable, based on her history she couldn't be in a household with other dogs. I had to sign wavers acknowledging her past to bring her home, she was about 8 at the time. She wasn't aggressive, it was fear based, she'd never been socialized with other dogs. At first it was a learning experience for both of us. Learned to walk where we had a wide birth to avoid others, but as her confidence grew it became less an issue. We were able to walk with friends with dogs, and as long as everyone did their own thing it worked. She always got along with my cat. In April I began noticing the signs of her aging, those signs were becoming more prevalent. A week ago Wed, something changed and I thought I was going to lose her. She got a bit better and we got in a few more walks. Monday we went on a walk and she was struggling after bit. That night she couldn't get comfortable. She would look at me "daddy I'd love to walk but I'm so tired, please help'. Tuesday morning she and I went to the Emergency vet and I did the kindest/hardest thing and set her free. Since I retired we've been together constantly. As the neighbors saw me without her they started to to bring me cards and things. Everybody around here knew and loved her and they shared my grief at her passing.
I don't know, or care what was wrong, she'd let me know it was her time and I honored that. I knew when I adopted an older dog that this day would come, sooner than I would like, that's what I signed up for.
We had a good life together, lots of adventures, lots of fun, I haven't any regrets, but I truly miss her.
In time, God will put another companion into my life, when I'm ready or there's another unwanted dog that needs me.
The poem below gave me much solace this last week or so, and I hope others are able to find it there too.
RIP Abby, you are missed.
