It was that same day that our family realized that Smokey was not well. Whether it was the particular cold of this South Dakota winter, or the pain in his back and hips, Smokey was not well. The stairs were a challenge, getting up in the bed not an option any more. He moved a little slower, he bark a little more sharp. Petting him gave him obvious discomfort, but he would allow it, for it made us happy. Although he still loved to be in our company, he was no longer happy when the other dogs were around.
Today, we took him to our veterinary clinic. We knew what we had to do. Casey spent the morning reading to him, her reading buddy to the last day. She told him good bye, and to be happy, after today there would be no more pain. Clint and I went with him to the clinic. We were with him to the last minute. To see him relax, stretch out, and rest with us with out pain, it made our decision no easier, but somehow less tragic for me. The tragedy would have been to watch him suffer on, make him suffer on.
Weighing 20 pounds less than his last visit to the vet, he looked almost small, as we held his paws and said "Good Boy". The blue of his coat, shined in the light, and the softness of his neck caught most of my tears.
He came to us in spring time, and left us in the snow. His family from before, shared in our sorrow, knowing he was loved for so many years before, helps heal my hurt that we could only love him for a short time.
I hope now he's running on a beach somewhere, playing a never ending game of fetch! We miss you Smokey Boy!
~ Jeni
Smokey
November 1999 - December 2008
10 comments:
I'm so sorry. Poor puppy, but he is no longer in pain. This is the worst part of being a dog parent, they don't live nearly long enough.
I am crying with you! Its never easy to lose such a good friend, snuggle partner, ball catcher, family. My heart is with you and your loved ones.
Thank you for putting that slideshow together. It was a bad night for me..my face hurts so much from crying. But he is no longer in pain and I am not sure if there ever has been one dog that has been loved so much by so many people.
Your forever in our hearts Smokey- now go roam free with Piggy and Fin
Your family (two legged and four legged members) are in our thoughts at this time. We're struggling with making a similar decision for one of our cats, so I know it was tough on you all, but find peace in knowing that he was loved, cared for, and had his last days made happy and as comfortable as possible by you and your family. He lived a good life and left his pawprint on your hearts, it was his time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know all your hearts are hurting right now. I'll put a tribute to him on my blog, too, if you don't mind. http://dogspeakup.blogspot.com
A very beautiful post. Losing a dear pet is like losing good friend or a family member. Our pets are a big part of our lives and our families.
Take joy in the time you had with a wonderful companion.
I also paid tribute to smokey on my blog today I hope that is okay with you.
Many thoughts and prayers for your good boy.
grr and avec send big puppy hugs to your family. we are so sorry for your loss, and so happy for the love you gave smokey.
Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts. I'm still sad, but finally ready to put the blog back together and keep going. Sometime in the next few weeks the Dog Files http://www.thedogfiles.com will have an episode with our family in it. I'll be glad to see him again one more time.
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