Love. Sometimes the Hardest Choice

Two weeks ago I had the excruciatingly painful experience of bringing a dog to the vet and holding her as she took her last breath.  The dog was Molly, my mother’s Standard poodle and beloved family member. 

My mother was away and Molly’s stomach bloated and started to twist (layman’s terms).  This life threatening condition left only two options: put Molly through a surgery that she might not survive or spare her from any more discomfort and make that dreaded final decision.  Yes FINAL – it is so very final, and that is why it’s so difficult.

In Molly’s case, the decision of whether to operate was complicated by her 12 ½ years, weakened hind quarters, and general slow decline in good health. My mother (via phone), with the support of myself and the wonderful veterinarians, made the painful choice to respect and love her enough to let her go.  My mother was brave enough to face her own pain and choose to say goodbye to her beloved companion.  That is LOVE.  There is no other way to describe it.  The choice was hard. 

I’ve known Molly through three of my dogs (and 1 bunny). Molly was a devoted companion to my father.  Through hospice care and visitors in the home, she was with him when he took his final breath.  Molly was always his devoted, loving, and faithful companion.  Not only was my mother very much a part of these precious times with Molly, but she and Molly also had a special bond through training.  They were a wonderful team as they worked hard to achieve two AKC titles: her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and her CD (Companion Dog – an obedience title).  My mom is a strong woman.  Saying goodbye to Molly must have been so difficult for my mother.  After all, she said goodbye to her husband and mother less than 2 years ago.

When we make the decision to bring that furry friend into our lives, deep down we know that we will probably outlive them.  But we do it anyway, knowing that for the short time they are with us they will bring joy and memories far beyond our dreams.  We love them, care for them, and welcome them into our families with open arms.   We accept the responsibility that we have taken on – to love, provide for, and keep safe to the best of our abilities.  The decision to humanely end our pet’s life carries tremendous pain, guilt, and feelings of undeserved power.  We love our dogs so much that we want our time with them to last forever.  It is because of that love that we are able to rise above and put our feelings aside to offer our furry family members a true act of selflessness.  It is love.

Goodbye sweet, loyal Molly.  We miss you, love you and know that someday we will be reunited.  In the meantime, please keep Dad and all of your other friends and fans company in heaven!