The toughest decision one has to make...

[AVGWarhawk]

specifically when it is your most faithful of friends. Nine weeks ago our dog of 11 years was diagnosed with tumorous growths on her spleen and lungs. She was given 6 weeks to live. We gave her Prednisone(steroid) that helped comfort her and feel better. But this is only a bandaid. Eventually Prednisone is not quite effective over a period of weeks. Thus the tumors are allowed to continue the growing pattern. Moo has been quite happy although oxygenation was lacking as time went on. Her gums and tongue ashen gray with lack of oxygen. Between yesterday and today a tumor had grown in such a short period of time that her entire left side of face is completely swollen and eye almost swollen shut. I suspected it was another tumor. My suspicions confirmed at the vet. It was time to make that toughest decision one can make in life. Moo was not in pain but labored in breathing. It is time to throw in the towel. My wife and I decided one more night at home. Our girls to spend the night spoiling her. A great meal of chicken and stuffing. One last walk up the street and a very slow one at that. Ice cream before bed. One last time out in her beloved backyard. One last visit to the vet with a heavy heart at 11 am tomorrow. This is the hardest decision my wife and I have made in life. Your dog is truly your most faithful of friends.

Moo was a rescue dog. We were told she was probably 2-3 years old when we got her the Christmas we moved into our new home 11 years ago. She was presented to our girls with a big red bow three days before Christmas. She only responded to the name Moo. This name she kept. She has been a loving and protective member of our family ever since.


Moo:












You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing,
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic,
That will once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.
That strength is why I’ve cared for you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years …
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You’re giving means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run.
Once more strong and steady now,
My pain and struggle done.
And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.
I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll play,
… free and happy once again.