Sorry to say, I’ve had a dismal weekend although it was to start brightly with the Christmas break up for my Tally Ho Fitness Group. However, when I got up in the morning, my beloved Millie didn’t rush out to greet me for the first time ever. She just lay on her bed and looked at me. It was then that I knew something was seriously wrong because she hadn’t been eating her meals with as much gusto as normal either. We decided I should attend the function but that my wife would ring the vet for an early appointment.
When we saw the vet the news wasn’t good. Quite simply Millie’s kidney function was breaking down and she only had a matter of days.
We could, the Vet told us, give her some palliative care but that would only relieve the pain she was in for a time and the ultimate outcome would be the same.
Sadly, and with tears running down my cheeks, I made the decision that it was time for my beloved Millie to go.
The wonderful vet rolled out a rug and Millie I lay down together and I hugged her close. As she went into her final sleep I know it didn’t hurt anymore and that she was at peace going to a better place.
But that place currently isn’t with me and I miss her terribly. She’s been a wonderful dog, never been disobedient, occasionally head strong. She believed her mission on this earth was to please me.
And I must add how deeply her loss has been to our puppy Polly. She is wandering around aimlessly looking for a Millie who went out with me and didn’t come back. And I can understand that because four-year-old Polly has never known a day in her life without having Millie… to take care of her. She misses Millie just as much as I do.
I know that you may or may not be a dog owner but maybe you can feel my pain and know that a little bit of my heart has died.
There was a lesson I was going to draw from this but I just can’t go on because of the tears that are streaming down my cheeks as I write this. Please forgive and indulge me.
My heart is with you. I know how devestated we would be. Dogs are still the best people that I know. Chin up Winno; she lived a full life and was so lucky to have had you as her best friend.
Thanks Ian and I’m slowly getting over he loss but Polly is missing Millie hugely… she keeps wondering what I did with Millie after I put her in the car on Saturday and she didn’t return.
Dear Winno, what a shocker of a year you’ve had! Laying doggies to rest just rips your heart out and vitamises it. All I can say is that Millie was lucky to have someone as generous and gutsy as you to ‘take the pain’ for her – rather than keep her struggling so YOU didn’t have to suffer. Greater love hath no man, in my book. With deepest sympathies, P.
Thanks Paul and I know that you have gone through the same thing so you walk in my shoes. Have look at my reply to Roger that will fill you in on the detail.
I totally know how devastated you would be, and it’s amazing how these little four legged critters weasel their way into out affection, and take our hearts. I am sure you’ll bounce back mate when you remember all those wonderful time the two of you had together. Those memories can’t be buried.
Thanks Roger and it was a traumatizing experience, so unexpected. but I guess that happens in both the animal and people worlds. One moment they are with you then they are gone so suddenly and unexpectedly. Although it seems like indecent haste we’ve manged to get a 4 year old Labradoodle who delivered 3 litters at a breeding kennels, the last litter of 13 was by Caesar so they wouldn’t breed her any more. Name Kahlee, she thinks she’s in paradise but Polly is a little pissed off. Have a great new year old pal.
Dear Winston, you enthused me with your practical and most sensible approach to marketing at the AVBA Roadshow seminar (Aus Vet Bus Assn) in Brisbane a few years ago & I’ve been on your mailing list since and learned many gems in that time. Your respect & admiration for our profession often pops thro in your posts – only sorry to hear that this time it is tainted with much sadness. Very sorry for your loss & although you don’t know me you have my sincere sympathy. Take comfort knowing that you were able to make the last kind decision possible, to save her from the horrible drawn out suffering that terminal kidney failure is. It is a real privilege to be able to save her from that suffering – something that we don’t even have available for ourselves. Treasure the many happy memories of her, and I’m thrilled for you to read about your new arrival who really doesn’t know how lucky she is. May 2017 be filled with much joy & happiness for you.
G’day Kevin and I don’t think that I have ever received such a great message of appreciation, understanding and thoughtfulness. It certainly made my day! As you know I really love my animals and really do appreciate they care they get from our wonderful Vets. Thanks for reassuring me about the decision I made in respect of my beloved Millie.