Goodbye sweet Max

[gfbikernyc]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[indysteel]

Somebody shared this recently on a different cycling forum. I hope you don't mind me sharing it now, as I'm pretty sure that it will make you cry....again.
I took heart in Number 10 when I lost my Sophie Kitty two months ago though.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years or more. Any separation from you will be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Don't break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.

3. Please have me spayed or neutered.

4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends,your entertainment, I only have you.

5. Speak to me often. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.

6. Take me in when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well to romp and play. By your side, I stand ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I'll never forget how well you've treated me.

7. Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, my ear may hurt, or my heart may be getting weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too.

10. When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it's time to say goodbye. Never say, "I just can't bear to watch it." Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. I love you.

[Tri Girl]

indy- that was beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.
Although with #10, I couldn't bear to watch it. I was already sobbing uncontrollably so they brought her in, we played for about 15 min. while she got sleepy, then they took her back. I felt horrible that I wasn't there as she fell asleep, but DH said he just couldn't do it and I wanted to respect his wishes, too (I haven't seen him cry that hard in years).

I'm doing better today. Going to school and getting a good dose of love from the kids was just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks again, everyone. Your support means so much to me!! Hugs to all of you for helping my heart heal!

[badger]

jeez, way to make me cry at work!!

you know, everyone handles these situations differently. Some will stay, and others won't be able to. My parents left their most beloved cat to be put down after they left. I couldn't bear to leave my dog in a moment I felt he needed me the most. I never regretted it, even though it still makes me very emotional thinking about it.

You were there before she got sleepy, that's the most important thing.

[indysteel]

I agree that it's a very personal decision, to euthanize in the first place and to stay with the pet during. I know I've had a very hard time not fixating on that one final memory of Sophie. It's very tough for sure. My heart goes out to anyone who has to make that decision.

But, oh, how they're worth all that pain.

[GLC1968]

Holy crap, Indysteel - that really got to me! Good thing almost everyone else here has already gone home. It actually helps to have read #10 because to this day, I still have to try not to fixate on those last few seconds. Heart-wrenching.

Tri Girl - my thoughts are with you. It's been a few years since I put down my companion of 11 years and to this day, I still cry when I think of her. It gets easier, but as you know, sweet Max will never leave your heart.

[nancielle]

Such a sweet face. So sorry for your loss. You loved her and did the best for her. In her own doggie way she knew that. Give your other dog some extra hugs and be especially gentle with yourself right now.

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---