Time to let go

Sadly, today we have put the call in to the veterinarian to have our old fellow, Timmi, euthanized. He had been doing fairly well with getting fluids every day and eating a bit on his own.  But this morning, he is not wanting to get up.  His tail is no longer wagging.  And I can tell in his eyes that he is uncomfortable.

It is time to let him go.  I knew that he would tell us when it was the end.  He was a good dog.  We are both okay with knowing that we have done everything we could do.  The body simply wears out and his is. 

The vets are coming to the house which will be the best way to let him go.  He will be surrounded by the toys and things that he loves.  We will be there with him. He is just shy of his 13th birthday.  It has been a good long time together.  Knowing that it is the end and that we have prepared for this over the past month has made it a bit easier.  It is never easy, but it would be cruel to hang on anymore. 

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

~Anonymous