I'm Sioux Roslawski and this is my blog about writing, dogs, grown-up children, menopause, the joy of a marvelous book, classroom teaching in general, and specifically, the teaching of writing. You can email me at sroslawski(at)yahoo(dot)com.
The Pyrenees---Southern France
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Annie's Last Legs
This was Annie in 2005. She was eight then. Having spent her whole life with a family, they finally surrendered: Annie had chronic ear infections, and they could no longer afford to keep her.
When Love a Golden Rescue brought her with them when they did the home visit, they were sure Annie would not be a good fit in our house. After all, we had two cats and Annie was living on a (foster) farm, and relished chasing the barn cats.
But when one of our cats sidled out during the visit, they didn't run, so Annie had no reason to chase. And since she had earlier won our hearts by rolling on her back begging for a bellyrub when we saw her at Petco, we adopted her.
Annie has never been the typical dog. If you throw a ball, she stares at you with an expression that says, 'I'm sure you want that ball there for a reason, since you were the one who threw it.' She is not a typical Golden, as she barks (most don't) and doesn't like other dogs (most do). When it's breakfast or dinner time, you have to say several time, "Eat, Annie...Go on, eat!" before she will delicately begin consuming her food.
Now Annie is 14. She has lost interest in most food (in the past week) and now, all food. She won't get up and go outside, and yet she has no accidents, either.
On Saturday morning we have an appointment with our vet. We waited too long with our last dog, which meant her end was most likely painful. We don't want to make the same mistake with Annie...
data, data teams, data walls, teaching, classroom
dogs. Golden Retrievers,
Love a Golden Rescue,
senior dogs
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Sioux, I am so sorry. I know how painful it can be to lose a pet. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sioux. I am so sorry. What a sweet baby. Sending my love your way.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sioux....Annie is such a sweetie. She sounds as if she's going through the same things Tiger did in her last days....I am feeling your sadness...Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Losing a furbaby is so very hard.
ReplyDeleteFB
Just remind yourself - Part of loving our pets so much, is knowing when, with the kindest of hands and fullest of hearts - knowing when to gently end their suffering......Stay with her and hold her close and your loving face will be what she sees....
ReplyDeleteSioux, I know how hard this must be for you and your family. As for me, I KNOW there are pets in heaven and all of my little babies are waiting for me with the child I lost in 1983. Just be with her as she crosses the rainbow bridge.
ReplyDelete{{{hugs}}}
~Kim
Oh Sioux, This post brings up such memories of those last days with a pet who's time has come. It sounds like Annie's been blessed to be a part of your household -- and like all pets, she's blessed the household through her presence.
ReplyDeleteSioux, I wish there were something I could say that would somehow make it easier. They're never with us long enough, but it sounds like the time you gave her was the best anyone could do. Prayers for all of you.
ReplyDelete