Sandy lived well. Her purpose in life was to “guard” the food and always be the first for handouts. She was born Sept of 1996 and was rescued from the pound in Kirksville by my wife. She never lacked for a meal, and when she could would gladly eat two meals. Sandy wasn’t our first dog to pass. Pepper was our first dog to join the family shortly after we were married, roughly he was born in 1988. Pepper lived a long life and attained the age of 17. Pepper was virtually blind near the end of his happy life. He could possibly see shadows, and probably could see peripheral and he also lived a long and fulfilling life. Pepper would not have been able to make the move to our new house, and navigate the steep stairs to the “Dog Area” in the back yard. It would have been cruel to have him attempt to do so. Seventeen years was a “Very” long life for Pepper. His latter years were probably not very enjoyable for him, yet he was a life long companion and was the Alpha dog. One of the most funniest memories about Pepper was when we were still living in our first house, and Paul was living with us for a short period of time. Pepper decided to show Paul who was the alpha one day. While Paul was taking a shower, Pepper decided to urinate on Paul’s underwear. Paul had a surprise when he put them on following the shower, and verbally explained to Pepper who the Alpha really was. Needless to say it was a moment of laughter for all, and one of those moments that are irreplaceable and unforgetable.
Sandy was also an Alpha dog. One of Sandy’s qualities was the lack of realizing her limits. One day while taking Sandy for a walk in the neighborhood we were passing a house with two very large dogs, who were minding their own business. Sandy never the one to be second fiddle, escaped her leash, ran full tilt for the two dogs that were easily each near a hundred pounds her superior. Once she got there she wasn’t sure what to do. She promptly looked for her master to save her. She probably thought she had done her job, of letting those dogs know who the alpha was. Sandy was always at my side, ever the faithful companion. Loving to the end.
The decision to put Sandy to sleep was difficult to say the least, but even worse is seeing a dog in pain that has no end in sight. Her liver seemed to be the problem, as she was retaining water, and her abdomen was swollen and was resulting in her not being able to lie down without crying out in pain. Her time had come and she had served her “Family” well as a family pet, well loved, and will be missed. She was a faithful companion. She was a faithful companion always keeping her master in sight whenever he was at home. When she could she was at his side (save when it was eating time), never one to allow another dog to occupy the spot at her masters side, until she could no longer jump up on the couch. She endeavored to forever be the master of the dogs, always seeking handouts and snacks and making sure a sufficient number were passed out during the day for all. What more could one ask from a pet? They fill the home with an abundance of love and life.
How does one come to make the decision that it’s time? First and foremost I believe it’s important to maintain your dog’s dignity. Don’t let your lasting memories be those of a crippled, infirmed, blind friend that you had to carry outside only to watch wander aimlessly through the yard. It will only make your decision harder. Timing is the greatest obstacle and one that can only be overcome by you. Guide your conscience with sound judgment, kindness, and dignity. Let them go and remember them fondly. Does it make the heartache of the loss any easier? By no means, it does not. But having a dog in pain does not serve any profitable purpose, if the pain cannot be alleviated. Take note of Solomon’s advice: Prov 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
From Adam Clark’s Commentary on the verse:
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast—One principal characteristic of a holy man is mercy: cruelty is unknown to him; and his benevolence extends to the meanest of the brute creation. Pity rules the heart of a pious man; he can do nothing that is cruel. He considers what is best for the comfort, ease health, and life of the beast that serves him, and he knows that God himself careth for oxen: and one of the ten commandments provides a seventh part of time to be allotted for the rest of laboring beasts as well as for man.—Adam Clarke’s Commentary
In the end we need to remember that animals do not have a spirit as does man. Animals are living creatures, but they do not have the spirit that enables man cognitive thought and character development. God created animals for a purpose, and God created man to become sons and daughters in His family. Enjoy our pets while we can and keep the big picture in mind.
Thanks for the many years of love and affection Sandy, you were a Faithful Companion to the end.