Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Like everyone else, I too have been faced with "when is the right time". There is no easy answer and there is no wrong answer. As some of my tripawd friends know I am a nurse practitioner, part of my job is death and dying of the human persuasion. I have learned a lot from both my animals and my patients. I have always firmly believed that euthanasia was the last show of love we could provide for our furry friends, and sometimes wished I could help my patients the same way. Without getting into the ethics of it, I have seen there are worse things than death and my patients have also told me so. Over 20 yrs I have seen many types of death, it is as individual as the color of someone's hair. The best deaths have been when their loved ones are around and they are comfortable. It becomes a celebration of life and the relief of pain. And almost 100% of the time there is a "better" period before death. That is God's gift to the family to have one more moment with their loved one before passing on. The goal is to have a death with dignity.
If you vet gets irriatated at you then it's their problem and they need to become more compassionate. You have the right to reschedule as many times as you need to.
Percy will be your guide and let you know. Peace and love to you.
What a terrible decision this always is. I've had to say goodbye to several furbabies over the years and it's always heartbreaking. Yes, you will see a look that tells you it's time. I agree that you need to consider carefully who the decision if for, Percy or his humans. Although it's important to consider your own emotions, it's primarily about Percy. The thing about dogs - they live in the present moment. He's not sitting around wondering how long he'll have with you, or worrying about tomorrow. When the vet comes over he'll just be happy to see a friend visit. The moment of total relaxation and lack of any pain right before they pass can be quite beautiful and reassuring that you're doing the right thing when it's time. With my Humphrey, I held his head in my hands, gazed into his eyes and thanked him for our time together. The look he gave me as he left was incredible, it went right into my soul and was so grateful and peaceful. Yes, I cried, but I was also relieved.
I'm concerned about what you are doing to yourself right now. Percy doesn't blame you for caring about your student and spending time with him. He was probably sleeping most of the time you were away anyway. Please stop beating yourself up! Learn from Percy and live in the present. If you really want to enjoy the days you have left with him, you need to be rested and relaxed. Share loving, joyful energy with your furbaby.
I hope whatever time you have is full of the love you share and that the farewell is peaceful.
Hugs and Slobbers
Judy and Baby
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