Last night, we euthanized our beloved dog, Spanky. He'd been failing since the summer due to old age (almost 18 y/o), kidney issues, arthritis, blindness, loss of appetite, etc.
S. & I might have considered it sooner, but wanted K. to have as much time as possible with him.... they were the same age and grew up together, and she wasn't ready for it to end.
Spanky was the agreeable little dog pushed in a young girl's stroller, running alongside a newly accomplished bike rider, roller skater, her tea party partner, her constant companion, and her sleepmate (he preferred her pillow).
We have so many wonderful memories of this sweet and amazing dog, and thank God for the day he came into our lives (via a rescue) at age 3-1/2. If you believe in heaven, that's where I picture Spanky now...and everyone is fighting over him. This tiny dog was unbelievably soft, cuddly, easy-going, gentle, and funny. His only downside was his finicky tastebuds (thought he was human).
For those of you who haven't gone through this process, a dear friend (whose sister works for a vet) recommended we give him a piece of chocolate just b/4 the final shot. We didn't know how our vet would feel about it, but brought a few chocolate chips wrapped in a piece of paper towel. Spanky had been lethargic all day and hadn't eaten more than a bite of two of pureed food, but when I held the paper towel near his nose (at the Vet), he kept his eyes closed but perked up and started sniffing. I brought it a little closer (as we waited for the dr.) and he tried to eat the whole package - paper towel & all. It was a welcome laugh for us after a full day of conversation/tears... until our decision was made. The chocolate chips were soft and mushy from holding them...perfect for him . As I broke each one into smaller pieces and gave him the bites, I whispered who they were from: one from mommy (me), one from K, S, ....etc., until all his special loved ones were named.
We chose to be in the room and K. held him while the vet did his thing (there's a sedative shot first, then the final shot - both inserted into a small catheter in his leg). I know it's supposed to be very therapeutic being a part of it all, but it was really, really hard for my dd to leave him at the end. I don't imagine she slept well and woke today in tears. How can you not at her age...and that makes it so much harder as a mom.
We cancelled our Easter brunch plans, and instead, I made Irish oatmeal, bacon, and blueberry/banana streusel muffins...then K. went to work (which is probably a good diversion for her right now).
I made the LO above, in honor of our sweetie, as therapy. I know I should list all the credits for the great digi products, but due to the circumstances, didn't keep track of 'em. The beautiful watercolor papers, however, are Mabelle @ MyDigiStyle.com. The oval journal block and swirls are Rhonna Farrer's....that's all I remember. But if you have a question, certainly I can go searching.
Wishing you all a beautiful Easter. If you made it this far, thanks for reading my story.
xo Colleen
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