Not the week we wanted to have
But I don't think anyone would want this kind of week. We decided yesterday, after a visit to the vet to discuss end of life issues, to make a plan for Brogan to pass. We will be taking him to the vet Saturday am.
He is 13 years old. Some SCA people may remember the happy blond fluffy mutt who may have helped himself to a beer or 2 at Glenn Linn one year. His hips are not great and he probably has some spine issues. There's next to no muscle mass in his rear. He's most likely bone on bone back there. Has difficulty getting in and out of the house. Despite the pain, and he is on meds, he is still sweet.
Dane has been taking all of this in as I wouild expect a 5 year old to. Some questions. Pretty matter of fact about the whole thing. He had asked me several weeks ago if Brogan was going to die. I had explained to him that yes, we all do, and that Brogan is sick and getting older and it may happen soon. We explained what will be happening and he told us he does not want to go to the vet and can he go to our neighbor's house. Ok by us.
Brogan has been a wonderful first dog. I rescued him from one of my home care patient's family members. His first day with us must have been quite a fright.. It was his first ride in a car, first time to step on grass, first bath and first time at the vet at about 2 months old. He was a great agility and obedience dog. He tried herding and REALLY liked sheep. After he got over the chasing sheep thing he really did herd. He loved to lead the chase at dog play groups, especially 'cos he could outrun those silly Swissys. He beat top border collies at agility. He never did compete in obedience but would have rocked if he did. He knew how to count my fingers by barking and had 3 volumes of bark on command. Quite the talented boy.
We will miss our boy. I do already, in a way.
BTW, I now really hate the term "put to sleep." Euthenasia is to sterile and heartless. That is why I have chosen "to pass." He will be passing to the next level and will find his big dumb loveable brother, Bentley, and my Dad.
The one thing that I wish pets could tell us is when they have had enough or when they are ready to stop it all. If it were an accident or some illness it would be much easier.
He is 13 years old. Some SCA people may remember the happy blond fluffy mutt who may have helped himself to a beer or 2 at Glenn Linn one year. His hips are not great and he probably has some spine issues. There's next to no muscle mass in his rear. He's most likely bone on bone back there. Has difficulty getting in and out of the house. Despite the pain, and he is on meds, he is still sweet.
Dane has been taking all of this in as I wouild expect a 5 year old to. Some questions. Pretty matter of fact about the whole thing. He had asked me several weeks ago if Brogan was going to die. I had explained to him that yes, we all do, and that Brogan is sick and getting older and it may happen soon. We explained what will be happening and he told us he does not want to go to the vet and can he go to our neighbor's house. Ok by us.
Brogan has been a wonderful first dog. I rescued him from one of my home care patient's family members. His first day with us must have been quite a fright.. It was his first ride in a car, first time to step on grass, first bath and first time at the vet at about 2 months old. He was a great agility and obedience dog. He tried herding and REALLY liked sheep. After he got over the chasing sheep thing he really did herd. He loved to lead the chase at dog play groups, especially 'cos he could outrun those silly Swissys. He beat top border collies at agility. He never did compete in obedience but would have rocked if he did. He knew how to count my fingers by barking and had 3 volumes of bark on command. Quite the talented boy.
We will miss our boy. I do already, in a way.
BTW, I now really hate the term "put to sleep." Euthenasia is to sterile and heartless. That is why I have chosen "to pass." He will be passing to the next level and will find his big dumb loveable brother, Bentley, and my Dad.
The one thing that I wish pets could tell us is when they have had enough or when they are ready to stop it all. If it were an accident or some illness it would be much easier.