Saturday 18 September 2010

Anticipating the inevitable

Miss Twice, boss of the house, guardian of the world, camera poseur extraordinaire and blanket lover.  The body might be small but the heart is monstrous, taking on Irish Wolfhounds and raccoons with equal ferocity.  Unfortunately, the heart has been slowly self-destructing, no longer thumping in anticipation but softly swooshing with less and less effect.  She's coughing now, so the heart isn't able to keep the lungs working properly and the other day she fainted on our walk.  THAT was scary.  I thought she had died, but she came to in my arms and went home and bossed Dewey around for the rest of the day. 
Boy, it's hard knowing one of your best friends is dying.  And the thoughts that run through your head!  Stupid things that should be embarrassing, but are probably very normal.  Like the four-day trip I'm taking the end of the month.  Go or not?  I pretty well have to go, because it's to see my new grandson and my parents and my parents won't be around forever either.  Like hoping that she dies before the ground freezes, because I want to bury her and don't know what I'd do with her body in the winter.  
Having a pet die suddenly is a shock and horribly sad, like any death of part of your family.  Watching a dog like Blackwatch Twice, proud and independent, carrying on like there's nothing wrong and still ruling the roost, when she's awake, is a lesson in dying.  Don't baby her, let her keep her dignity, but make sure you don't forget when it's treat time.  Sigh.....

7 comments:

  1. My heart goes out to you and Miss Twice. It is hard but think of all the wonderful times you have had together. We just have to make sure that they are not in pain and let them go with dignity. Hugs to you both.

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  2. Pets are indeed part of the family. It's not easy losing them. We lost our 16 year old cat earlier this year when her kidneys failed. It was tough. So I understand about Miss Twice.

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  3. I teared up reading that - sadly loss is the price we pay for all that great pet love. I once read a child's explanation that dogs lives are shorter because, unlike humans, they are born knowing how to love and we learn slowly.

    I bet that Miss Twice has had an exceptionally good time. Hugs to you and pats to Miss Twice.
    ~ Laura (Moags)

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  4. That's beautiful, the child's explanation. I'll have to remember that one. Thanks!

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  5. Hope the end comes quickly and painlessly for Miss Twice, as it did for my father. Give her lots of hugs and kisses from her unknown friend in Whitby.

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  6. Thank you for one more expression of the great love we receive from our pets.
    I have a suggestion: perhaps you could decide before freezing, where you would like for her to be.
    You could dig the hole, save the earth in a large plastic bag, and have it somewhere inside to use when the time comes. You could also take advantage of the unfrozen earth outside to plant something beautiful there just for her.
    Love to both of you.

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  7. I'm so sad reading about Miss Twice. It is so heartbreaknig to lose a pet. My heart goes out to you! Hang in there.

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