Sunday, September 19, 2010

Death and life

Clara slipped away very easily for which I am grateful.  We got to spend time with her and hold her.  The cancer had moved so quickly that she was weak but still had a bit of a tail wag.  I know that it was her time.   I could see it in her eyes.

I wonder sometimes at the wisdom of Dr. Kevorkian who I think has the right idea for people no longer wishing to prolong their pain.  What is the point to be put through so much when the body and mind says that it is time to go?  Maybe at some point we humans will be able to make that kind of choice without a lot of legal consequences. I am not going to write much more on that other than to say that I would hope for a quick death without lingering misery. 

Today one of the puppies, who we had nursed with a bottle for three weeks after she was born, came to visit. When she was born, she was so tiny and not strong enough to grab hold of a teat and nurse.  I was determined to save her so C. and I began to offer her a small bottle filled with puppy formula.  We called her Pinky because she had such a bright pink tongue.  Pinky didn't take to the bottle immediately but gradually, wrapped in a warm heating pad, she learned to wrap her mouth around the nipple and form a strong suction.  She would nurse until almost the entire bottle was drained and her stomach was bulging. 

We kept up the nursing for 3 weeks, intermittently putting her with her mother to also get milk from her.  It was a happy story because the people who came to see the puppies decided that little Pinky, with her strong desire to live, was the puppy they wanted.  And today, they stopped by as they were driving back to NC to bring her to see us.  She is now seven years old and is beautiful.  She played in the fenced paddock with some of the other dogs.  They love her so much which is the way it should be. It felt so right to have her come to visit on the day after Clara left. 

Thanks to you, my blogging friends, for your comments and kind thoughts.  C. and I read every one out loud and we cried and smiled.  You guys are the best.

26 comments:

  1. Im glad for you both that Clara passed gently. And yes, what a blessing God brought you when Pinkie visited. There are no conincidences, you know. Divine order. I hope you and C can have a restful day today...xo hugs!

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  2. I have grown to love in a very special way every puppy I have ever had including the one that I have now that is sort of borrowed from my daughter. :) They are gifts from God with their unconditional giving and receiving of love.

    Sorry for your loss. It leaves an empty place for a while.

    PG

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  3. smiles. glad you were there for her and getting to see the puippy had to be great as well...happy sunday syd...when my time comes i want it to be quick as well...we watched Ts mom waste away for 2 years...i dont want that...

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  4. So glad it was an easy transition for Clara and that you and C had time with her to say good bye. I know what you mean about the legality of having the right to decide how much pain and suffering we humans have to endure before we can rest and move on for the next adventure.

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  5. My wish is that when it comes my time I am treated as decently and with as much respect as I give my dogs.

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  6. Glad that Pinky arrived to help comfort you at just the right time. I'm so sorry for your loss....I know how hard it is. At the same time now that I read about your Clara, we're waiting to hear later this week on whether or not our yellow lab, Jessie, has cancer. She had a tumor removed from her paw on Thursday. I certainly hope it's not malignant, but if so, you've helped give me some perspective. Peace to you as you miss your sweet dog. We all should love as unconditionally as what they give to us.

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  7. Yes. Is it too much to ask that humans be given the same dignified chance at a pain free death as our pets?
    Ah well.
    I know your home must seem empty tonight and I am so glad that Pinky came by to see you, to remind you of how tenacious life is, if given a chance and a warm place and some warm milk and some patience. What good you did in keeping that puppy alive!
    I wish peace for you and your wife tonight, knowing that you did the right thing in helping life hold on with Pinky, in letting life go with your beloved Clara.

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  8. You were on my mind yesterday as I thought about how it might be going for you and C. and Clara.

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  9. Most well loved pets die much better deaths than we humans. There is something wrong with that but I am not sure what the answer is either.

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  10. So much a blessing, that your puppy-friend came 'home' to visit, before leaving town...TODAY!!!

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  11. my hope is that your sorrow is short and your memories of love and happy times are long. take care and enjoy the time you have now.

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  12. I'm really sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you both.

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  13. I'm glad things went as well as they could have, Syd. It was nice for you to have a visit from Pinky - it came just at the right time. The photograph is lovely. :)

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  14. yes. very auspicious timing for the visit by pinky :) an affirmation of the continuation of life under different 'signs'.
    Glad you and C were able to process this so well, and glad you felt the benefit of online support. I think its a wonderful new tool for ? 'spiritual fellowship' 'that connects us all while we are spread all over the world. I have benefitted from it and I appreciate its effects too.
    Yes. re euthanasia. When TNH was asked his views, he said he would be in favor of it if the person lacked the capacity to cope with the degree of suffering, (as can be achieved with mindfulness training) as this was the most compassionate option.

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  15. It is hard to lose a loved companion. Peace to you and your wife. I am glad your dog did not have to suffer.

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  16. Thinking of both of you -- I'm glad it was a peaceful end.

    Big hugs.

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  17. I met Kevorkian (pre prison, post third trial) when he was having some work done on his Volkswagen Mini bus ata shop I was managing. Actually when we talked his arguments for why he was advocating human euthanasia were sound. He didn't regret the way he operated because he was thoroughly convinced there was no other way to help those who asked. The publicity though got to his ego (imo) and he sent himself to jail.

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  18. I know what you mean about the questions about Kevorkian ...

    I struggle with the back and forth myself.

    I guess if you're given the power and it's successful, it's Gods will at that time.

    I'm dependent on God to know when I need to go, and to get me there on his power, not mine.

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  19. Syd,
    I am so sorry to hear that Clara passed. I did not have my laptop at home this weekend, so I was not aware until this morning.

    Pinky visiting must have been a real treat.

    Sending you and C. much love,

    SB

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  20. This makes me want to dash home and visit Cosmo for a few minutes lol. I gave her a good scratch and a kiss before I left this morning and she is showered with attention from us so Ihave no worries.

    Your post is so touching. Dogs are indeed very special critters!

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  21. I was without Internet over the weekend, and Sunday was my son's BD... so I only saw this just now.

    Much love to you and C, Syd.

    Isn't it amazing how higher power takes care of us. --G

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