It was a hard, sad day on Sunday as I helped my Mum say goodbye to her best friend and constant companion of the last fifteen years, Goobert. Goobs was a Jack Russell/Fox Terrier mix that Mum bought home one afternoon in 1998, a tiny, smooth, squirmy puppy who fit comfortably into the palm of my hand.
I’d lost pets before, but never been present for the euthanisation of a beloved animal. It was simultaneously agonising and peaceful to behold. The process itself was so gentle – it’s the inner tumult that’s the hardest part to endure. To see an animal struggle for breath, to feel their little heart pounding, and knowing that their life from here on in will be a struggle – it makes the decision easy. But it aches to feel the life slide so swiftly from the tiny body. We both kept our hands on him to the very end, stroking his smooth fur, giving him all the comfort we could muster.
I really cannot thank the amazing Veterinarian enough. She was quite possibly the perfect person to help us through such a hard morning. Her frankness, honesty and kindness made the experience bearable. To be able to face pain like that, with strength and exuding comfort and understanding, is truly a gift.
Everyone send your best to my Mum and for Goobert, too – now he’s bounding along on that never-ending walk through the universe…
Tell me all about your beloved pets to soothe my sore little heart on this sad day…
(I also have a post in a similar vein up on WeHeartLife today.)
I’ve done that and it’s awful. But an easy way for a creature to go out. It’s so sad when your dog friends die, isn’t it? I hope he is bounding happily somewhere.
It is extremely sad, but it was for the best indeed. Thanks for stopping by.
Jasper, one of my cats, has invented a new game that involves finding unattended footwear and moving it as far as possible; I think there are extra points for stealing them from next to people without being seen as he most commonly does it when we slip them off to lie on the sofa.
Cats are the best. I love how they do the weirdest things for their own little satisfactions.
He actually gave me a pained look yesterday evening for still wearing my slippers while I was on the sofa.