It is no small thing to lose a beloved pet. BabyBro had to put one of his dogs down today. I don't know what made me photograph her on Sunday afternoon, I just had a feeling she wasn't long for this world.Poor old Keira has always been old. Even as a youngling she developed AIDS for dogs and lost all her muscle tone and was unable to absorb proteins properly which explained her voracious appetite and a total inability to feed her by hand because she'd take your finger off more than likely. She was constantly at the vet for everything from grass seed infections to strained shoulders, itch and ear mites, digestive disorders - you name it, she's had it. If a disease could be caught, she caught it, if a muscle could be pulled, she pulled it! Babysis and I have been convinced for years that the dog was half blind the way she clung to your legs when out for a walk . . .
She came here with BabyBro and Stressany 5 years ago and was a needy, affectionate, snuffly kinda dog. She was also a bin raider and a patio pooer which irritated me no end since he is not fond of poop-scooping. But she spent a lot of time sleeping on ThePrincess' bed and in my bathroom when the thunder struck or with her chin on the step of the sliding door while I was cooking.
An outdoors dog, she wasn't pampered and clean and sweet smelling like me Lily but a bit mangy and hairy and stinky but still adorable. Poor old thing had a growth removed from her shoulder a week ago, I thought she'd been shot due to the neat hole - whilst on the table the vet discovered that she was riddled with doggy cancer . . does no-one escape this disease?
So, whilst I won't miss treading her poo into the poolroom, or picking up the piles of refuse she stole from building sites or her barking incessantly at night or bashing through the baby gate at my back door designed to keep her out during a thunderstorm, I will miss her affection and she was a great guard dog. In just two short weeks, she went from bouncing around to limping and coughing blood . . last night he did what we are simply not allowed to do to humans facing the same plight . . he put her to sleep. Vale little pup. Our family has dwindled by one more. She was 9 years old.
That dog looked tired and sad. I am not a great animal person but hate to see them suffer. Glad the suffering is over.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, what a sad story. Agree with Grannymar - she does look tired and sad. It is heart breaking to lose a beloved pet, but when their eyes have that wounded look, it's time, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a character, if only due to the frequent flyer points she earned at the vet's place! My thoughts are with you, Baino.
Only two comments? Keira deserves better than that. As you say, the vet did what we're not allowed to do to humans and gave her a dignified end to her suffering. But it sounds like she had a good active life even if she was a bundle of trouble to her owners!
ReplyDeleteGrannymar: she was a trooper to the end, a very waggy dog but the sad face isn't what it seems, she always looked like that.
ReplyDeleteKath: yeh, it's tragic when you lose a pet but we still have two more furballs to annoy the possums! BabyBro's wallet is fattening as I type.
Nick: A much loved part of the family - except for her garbage collecting and inappropriate pooping. Frankly, she should have 'gone' years ago but managed to miraculously recover from every ailment.
Hate losing my dogs - I had to get one we had had since 1988 put down in October 2000, and one we had had since 1986 in June 2001 - the current pair date from 1999 and 2002. I'm not sure whether we'll replace them. Once we get to retirement we want to be able to pick up the Irish Times and see a special offer on a holiday in two days' time and just be able to close the door and go.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss from your family Baino :( It sounds like you're looking at the positive and moving on. Bet you've done a porch clean already!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh the poor little pet. That breaks my icy heart. I would contemplate suicide if anything bad happened Floyd. Sorry for your loss. Your brother did the right thing. You are like me they break your heart but you love them all the same. I have a little dog we are minding, my friends Grandad died, I was asked to “mind” the little pup until they decide who gets him, that was weeks ago still no takers. Anyway, he keeps banging his head off things, running into doors/walls I thought it was a tumour in his brain. The worry almost killed me. The vet said it is merely temper tantrums. Apparently Grandpa spoiled the brat puppy, sometimes I just completely despair of the madness, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
ReplyDeletemy sisters dog Nelson lived to be 17 and had to be put down recently. He was still running on the beach at 15 - not bad for an ol' codger his age eh!. Eventually he couldn't even get off the couch - very sad but best to end the pain quickly. My condolences.
ReplyDeleteIan: I hear you but I've only ever been without a dog for 9 years and had the pleasurable distraction of small children and a homely puss! I don't think I could live alone without one.
ReplyDeleteAnony: She was a sweet thing really, just craved affection, but did have a habit of snotting on my black pants as I got out of the car each evening! Poo hunt this weekend. Hopefully it'll rain first!
Nonny: it's true, we bring it upon ourselves but pets fill a completely different space to people. Still the inevitable happens. I've put down 2 dogs in the past, one was 17 years old. Unheard of for a lab. Fortunately, Miss Lily is a six year old going on 2. . so hopefully I'll have her for a long time.
Quickroute: Our other dog is called Nelson also (Nelson Mandela). Big Black labrador. He's still going strong at 13. Shame I can't ask for the same treatment when I need the green dream!
Aaaw! Sad, but I guess a welcome release for Keira.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, pity we can't ask for the same favour when our number is up. Don't good people also deserve some dignity in death?
Your love of animals, Baino, is palpable. I'd go barmy if I didn't have a pet to talk to first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Life's just not the same without them!