Last week I called Paws and scheduled to have Caly put down at our home. We wanted it to be as comfortable as possible for her. She made it to 14 plus years, a new record for us with big dogs. It is time, the breathing labored, the back legs are not strong enough to get up most of the time, she sleeps all day. She is in no obvious pain, she still eats and plays (as long as she does not have to move), I sure wish she could speak English to assure me of my decision
It was a strange feeling after I made that call. Not the 'putting a dog down part', as all dog owner's deal with that, but to have an appointment on my calendar when someone would come to our home and Caly would be gone.
The day has arrived, ham and eggs for breakfast, steak for lunch, Haagen-Dazs ice cream for desert and cookies all day. As the hour approaches, I want to cancel, but I know that is not common sense, my challenge is remain calm and unemotional so she simply thinks her vet coming over to see her.
The team from Paws was wonderful.
I share this as Caly used to contribute to TOTV as my
lab assistant. She had the luck of getting to TV when it was one big dog park during construction (2007). We risked our reputations committing felonies because we wanted to see the latest developments. To clarify, there were signs that said trespassing past this point was a felony. I am sure glad we took the chance. We have seen some amazing things and have been in many of your homes before they were finished (sorry). It has been a while since she was strong enough to stand in the cart. I sure miss those rides and now I sure miss her, it will take some time before I can utter her name without my eyes welling.
I share a couple of links for friends. Be warned there quite a few pictures.
This one is a slideshow:
Caly Memories Slideshow by ajbrown2007 | Photobucket
This one are the same photos, but it is what photo bucket calls a Story where a bunch of pictures are displayed:
Caly Memories Story by Alan Brown (ajbrown2007) | Photobucket