Monday, June 6, 2011

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

26 comments:

  1. Good bye Timmi. Thank you for all you gave. Peace.

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  2. Syd,
    I've been there. The faithful, unquestioning companion, he trusts that you will do the right thing, and you are. I will say a prayer that all goes gently and peacefully....Hugs!

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  3. That poem always brings tears to my eyes, remembering the dogs for whom I've made this sad choice. I feel for you Syd, but it truly is the kindest last gift we can give to those who've been our loyal friends.

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  4. I can't tell you how sorry I am, Syd. It is SADS Monday. I received an e-mail this morning that my friend's husband had died. I slept poorly last night. I awoke with anxiety that I couldn't place. Maybe I had a foreboding.

    You are a good friend to make Timmi comfortable. I love you and wish you and C. peace.

    SB

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  5. Our pets don't ask us for much but give us their everything. Bless you.

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  6. Our pets give us their all. Blessings to you.

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  7. Good bye sweet one, there will be many at the Rainbow Bridge to greet you. So sorry to hear this news, having lost our Elliot last year, I understand this heartbreak.
    Many peaceful loving years we have with them with only one heartbreak from them.
    Peace to you!

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  8. From experience. I had a Golden Retriever. She was 14 and I got teh same thing from her, she let me know when it was time.

    My heart felt sympathies, Syd.

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  9. know it will not be an easy day for you syd...glad he will find some peace...

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  10. My thoughts are with Timmi on his journey, and with you and C. on your journey. The bond we have with our animals goes so incredibly deep. You are doing the right thing, but that doesn't make it any easier. Hugs and blessings to all of you.
    Monica

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  11. Goodbye timmi,you will see them again someday at the rainbow bridge.

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  12. I will never forget holding Pearl when the vet gave her that shot. She just...relaxed. She was gone. She was at peace.
    So will it be for Timmi. And you will be at peace, knowing you have made the very most compassionate decision.

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  13. Thoughts and prayers are with you Syd. Here's a link that helped me. Hope it works.....
    http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

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  14. I'm so sorry Syd. ((((hugs)))) I went through the same with my beagle and have a 6 year old Golden. Thank you for the poem.

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  15. Syd, So sorry you are sad. Dogs love so unconditionally and making the hard decision to let him go in love is painful. I pray you feel love from your friends.

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  16. He was lucky to have you as his human.

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  17. It is so good the vet comes to the house. Taking an animal to be put down always felt so cold and traumatic.

    Be in the good memories, Syd.

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  18. so so sorry. my thoughts are with you.

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  19. Oh, Syd. I'm heartbroken for you. Here's to a good long life with your buddy. Go peacefully, Timmi.

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  20. So sorry to hear about your doggie...~karen

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  21. Fly sweet Timmi!
    Fly to God and run and jump.
    You have been an excellent dog.
    Syd...you have been an excellent friend for Timmi.

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  22. Such a sad day -- and Timmi deserves the best and most painless farewell.

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  23. Hubby and I have discussed the situation you and C are going through. We hope it is a peaceful passing for Timmi and another memory for you and C. Things are not always fun to remember but the sad times we go through are still memories to put in a proper place. Best wishes to you and C.

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  24. Thank you for the poem...it is so beautiful...I'm going to pass it on to family who has lost pets recently. You & C were so lucky to have Timmi, he was such a blessing...his loving spirit lives on...prayers to you!

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  25. So very sorry about the end with Timmi. I know how you feel. We had to put our 13 yr. old German shepherd down like that and it hurt so much, but it was the right thing to do. Please know that your words about the Al-Anon life is a life line for some of us. You write a very good blog, I have search thru many. Yours is the most helpful to me, please don't stop. Lynn

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  26. I'm so sorry to hear about Timmi, Syd. Hopefully he's met Molly in doggie heaven and they've become friends.

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