WebmasterPete
Grand Administrator
- Joined
- Jun 1, 1997
For those who are not on Facebook (or friends with either Walter or I on Facebook), I wanted to let everyone know that we made the difficult decision yesterday to let go of our pup, Max.
The night before we returned from PCC 4, Max had become very sick. It turned out to be pancreatitis, but there were many other complications as well. As many of you know, Max has had health issues over the last few years.
In spite of our vets efforts to do everything conceivable to save him, he just continued to worsen. He refused all food, had become lethargic and was starting to waste away.
When we went to the vet's office yesterday to say goodbye, I was surprised that he walked into the exam room on his own. He had spent the previous two days showing no energy at all, barely able to sit up. I expected they would have to carry him in. I spent a few minutes alone with him and asked him if he was ready to go, he responded by giving me a kiss - something he had not done all week. When I left the exam room to tell Walter and Mom to come in, Max followed me down the hall - which again, really surprised me. Walter and I both started to reconsider the decision - maybe he was rallying - maybe we should give it more time - maybe, maybe, maybe. But then when we got back into the exam room with him, he laid down and could barely move. His breathing was labored and intense, and we both knew at that moment we were making the right decision. Walter and I had always promised ourselves that we would never let Max suffer because we didn't want to let go. He rallied long enough to say good-bye to us, to let us know he was ready and that it would be okay.
We brought along his favorite toy - a stuffed mallard that he loved to use as a pillow. When he laid down, he put his head on it as he always did. He laid there quietly as the vet (who loved him dearly and was in tears) administered the injection. I was laying on the floor right next to him holding him, as was Walter, all of us telling him goodbye and letting him know we'd be okay. He went very peacefully knowing that we were there and that we loved him.
I had adopted Max when he was 8 weeks old and for more than 10 years he was at my side every moment of every day. He was there during the darkest days of my life - through addiction and depression - being a constant source of unconditional love reminding me that no matter how bad things may seem - there are things in this world worth living for.
I know that everyone thinks their pet is special, and they are - but Max was unusual. Everyone that spent any time at all with him recognized that. There was a kindness and gentleness to his spirit that I've never seen in another dog - or another person for that matter. He brought that sprit to everyone his life touched.
While I'm very very sad right now, and I miss him more than I could ever say in words, I am so grateful that I had him in my life. He taught me so much, gave me so much and loved me in a way I've never known. He was an amazing gift and that's what I choose to focus on now. Yes, the pain is great - but so was the love and joy he brought.
Now, go hug your pets and never let them forget how much you love them.
Pete
The night before we returned from PCC 4, Max had become very sick. It turned out to be pancreatitis, but there were many other complications as well. As many of you know, Max has had health issues over the last few years.
In spite of our vets efforts to do everything conceivable to save him, he just continued to worsen. He refused all food, had become lethargic and was starting to waste away.
When we went to the vet's office yesterday to say goodbye, I was surprised that he walked into the exam room on his own. He had spent the previous two days showing no energy at all, barely able to sit up. I expected they would have to carry him in. I spent a few minutes alone with him and asked him if he was ready to go, he responded by giving me a kiss - something he had not done all week. When I left the exam room to tell Walter and Mom to come in, Max followed me down the hall - which again, really surprised me. Walter and I both started to reconsider the decision - maybe he was rallying - maybe we should give it more time - maybe, maybe, maybe. But then when we got back into the exam room with him, he laid down and could barely move. His breathing was labored and intense, and we both knew at that moment we were making the right decision. Walter and I had always promised ourselves that we would never let Max suffer because we didn't want to let go. He rallied long enough to say good-bye to us, to let us know he was ready and that it would be okay.
We brought along his favorite toy - a stuffed mallard that he loved to use as a pillow. When he laid down, he put his head on it as he always did. He laid there quietly as the vet (who loved him dearly and was in tears) administered the injection. I was laying on the floor right next to him holding him, as was Walter, all of us telling him goodbye and letting him know we'd be okay. He went very peacefully knowing that we were there and that we loved him.
I had adopted Max when he was 8 weeks old and for more than 10 years he was at my side every moment of every day. He was there during the darkest days of my life - through addiction and depression - being a constant source of unconditional love reminding me that no matter how bad things may seem - there are things in this world worth living for.
I know that everyone thinks their pet is special, and they are - but Max was unusual. Everyone that spent any time at all with him recognized that. There was a kindness and gentleness to his spirit that I've never seen in another dog - or another person for that matter. He brought that sprit to everyone his life touched.
While I'm very very sad right now, and I miss him more than I could ever say in words, I am so grateful that I had him in my life. He taught me so much, gave me so much and loved me in a way I've never known. He was an amazing gift and that's what I choose to focus on now. Yes, the pain is great - but so was the love and joy he brought.
Now, go hug your pets and never let them forget how much you love them.
Pete
