Like a Handprint on my Heart...

[ddstartingover]

I know I've never posted to you before, but this post caught my eye, and thought I would share. Several years ago, before all of my M drama, our family dog of 18 years became ill. My H suggested we go to the vet, that she was suffering, and it was time. We all took her over, but on the way over she became very animated and energetic----I think knowing what we were doing and letting me know she wasn't ready. Instead I talked the vet into trying a new medication, to see if it could help with the fluid building in her lungs. Within a week it was obvious that things were deteriorating even more. She was suffering, and having much trouble breathing. I made the choice to take her over on my own. She was our family dog, but since I stayed at home, she was "my dog." On the way over she looked at me, and I knew she knew it was time. I held her and kissed her as the vet put in the IV. I held her and stroked her as she took her last breath. It was the hardest thing I had ever had to do at that time in my life----but I couldn't watch her suffer any more. She was my first "child," and she was gone. The days, weeks and months that follow are not easy ones. You will hear her. You will look for her, and expect her to be there as they always were. You will even think to check the water or food bowl weeks after she's gone. They touch our lives in ways no human can, because they truly do give us that unconditional love that we all need. I truly feel for you during this time, because I know the huge hole this can leave in your heart. As you heal from your loss you will have the memories, and they will help. Tiggy was lucky that she had you----and you were lucky to have her.