Last Thursday we had to put "Samson" our german shepherd mix of almost 14 years to sleep. It was very difficult and yes Stacey and I did sit with her on a blanket while it happened. This was harder than we expected. Especially on Stacey. Hallie understood and was sad and I think Connor didn't understand what was going on. Nancy came over and watched the kids while Stacey and I took Samson to the vet. We did not expect the grief to be so heavy. If you've ever lovingly put a dog down then you know, if you have not, then you don't. Here is a picture of Samson just before we left for the vet.
She was a good companion that followed Stacey around the house for almost 14 years! She jogged with me for years. At the time of this picture she was blind, had an enlarged heart, on meds, would gasp for breath, one eye had turned bluish white, and she was not responding like usual. We got her as a 6 week or so old puppy and she has been with us ever since. She had been camping, to Kansas on trips, lived in 3 states, etc... "She was a good dog!"
The next day the kids were out of school so we took them to the Idaho Humane Society (the pound). And so the story continues... more later...
5 comments:
Our condolences to you and the family. We have experienced what you went through. Before our Gracie, the lab/retriever we have now, we had Skyler. Skyler made it to twelve years and euthanising her was the right thing to do. She suffered what the vet tells us was like human Alzheimers. Every day tasks and routine behaviour became foreign to her and she was confused and disoriented. It was hard on us to see her go through those things and I can only imagine how hard it was on her.
We too were able to be with her at the time of her passing and Doug took it especially hard.
Our pets are a part of our family and only pet owners can truly know what that means. There is no love quite like the love from a dog.
I like to think that Skyler is frolicking with other dogs in a happier place. Perhaps she's with your Samson.
Much love and hugs,
Debb and Doug
I am very sorry for your loss of Samson. It's never easy to lose a pet that's been a member of the family for such a long time. I've also been through this, when I had to euthanize my 15 1/2 year old dog, Penny, a few years ago, and it was very painful. Penny had been in my life longer than any of my children. My sincere condolences to you and Stacey, and your adorable kids. Samson looks like a sweetheart in the photo on your blog. I will keep your family in my prayers as you (especially Stacey) goes through this difficult time. Joy
so sorry for your loss. we lost our jake dog a couple of years ago and like you, he had been through everything with evan and i. such a difficult part of life. but i am glad that the story continues and that a new pet has found a wonderful home.
I'm so sorry Hughes family! Samson will be missed. :-(
Post a Comment