July 22, 2011 08:30 AZ time I killed my best friend, and it was time.

[Chig]

I hastened the demise of my best friend this morning.  He lived 4 months and two days post his diagnosis of lymphoma.   He was unique.   So independent, so smart was he that I am sure although he was domesticated, some of his lineage was not.  One word describes my red boy..... Perfect.

 

He walked outside in the backyard today before he came back in and laid where the Vet drugged him to death... no joy... just going through the motions as he did yesterday, and somewhat the day before.  A week ago he caught a squirrel.  We saved the squirrel  (knowing what a softy Pete is, I wanted to interject that the squirrel lived.)   A week ago he also insisted on getting out of the cart I was pushing him in, and walked a mile of the dog walk...  I will probably learn to live my life a little by his example.

 

 

[JustAnotherUserName]

I'm shocked at how emotional I got after reading this post and watching this clip.  Having followed you through this, I sort of feel like a part of it.  I know nothing will make you feel better right now.  Know that those of us who journeyed through this with you have been deeply affected as well.  xo Ruth

[Marie]

A magnificent friendship. ♥

[BlancheNoE]

Oh Bruce, "perfect" is right. We're with you, Anne and the kids.

Feeling.

Tight hugs and showers of good memory blessings to your absolutely amazing family.

[NatureJunkie]

I haven't asked about Kirb in a while because after a time, I figured there was no way he could still be with you, and I didn't want to press you for news it would be painful to give. I cried when I read this. How odd, to cry for a man I never met and a dog I never knew. But I sure do know the pain of this kind of parting.

 

You did not kill your best friend. You snatched him away from the cruel final hours of torture the lymphoma had in store for him. You had Kirby's back. That's what best friends do.

[Chig]

Everyday we had with this one was like the universe lent us one of the most unique and precious gems that it could offer anyone.   Every day I was blessed beyond anything I could have deserved.  And for most every day of Kirb's life I would wrap my arms around him, stroke his flawless coat and whisper in his ear that "every day is a beautiful, wonderful, glorious gift" because I knew that one day that would not be able to hold him.

In his last day all he wanted was to be with us despite the discomfort.  He was anemic, and there was a hint of jaundice.    I am under no illusion that euthanasia is not killing.  Kirby was mostly ready for an end.  He would have fought an ugly fight just to stay near us as long as he could, maybe for another day at most.  Honestly, he far exceeded his prognosed amount of time to be with us, and he did it with strength and dignity, and joy.   And yes he did it with love.  Those who might scoff that dogs can love, much like humans  can look to the very biochemicals like Oxytocin and Dopamine which are released in both humans and dogs from something as simple as a touch.  We share very similar brain biochemistry.

 

My sad lesson in the last 4 months:

All I can say is that you must above all listen to when the pet is ready if you do the euthanasia route.  Take your queues from the pet.  It is very easy to let all the chatter of people's opinions on the subject get between you and what the pet is ready for.

Same goes for treating your pet's illness.  Listen to your pet above all other chatter, or your emotion.  Your pet will let you know what works.

 

[photo2010]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend Chig. How blessed you and Kirby were to have each other as long as you did. He's romping on the Rainbow Bridge now, waiting to run to you again one day, never in pain again.

[SydTheSkeptic]

So glad to know you listened to Kirb above the chatter.  It seems like you felt you really did hear him and you're okay with the timing.

 

Thinkin' about you guys.  It's a week later, but I'm sure his absence is no less palpable.

[LtAdams2247]

Blanch favorited your blog about your killing your best friend. Think about that.

 

I killed a squirrel today just to even things out. Call it an homage.