It's Over

[willowisp]

Andy and I went to the emergency clinic at seven this morning. Gail hadn't improved significantly, if at all. The vet's recommendation was to euthanize, since her breathing was labored and since so many things had gone wrong more or less at once. We were both holding her as her heart stopped, and we asked her to give our love to Thena and our grandparents.

Andy has to be at work today for a conference. Please keep him in your thoughts; I have the luxury of falling apart in my own home, while he has to keep himself together. Heidi is currently in my lap, purring, and not letting me be alone.

Tomorrow is the 11-month anniversary of Thena's death.

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[lowapproach.livejournal.com]

My mother has worked with her county humane society and an animal adoption center for almost two years now since her sheltie died.

They have a poster framed with these simple rules on them, from pets to their owners on how to care for them.

The tenth goes, "When I am very old, when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.  I am not having fun.  Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently.  And be with me on that difficult journey when it is time to say goodbye.  Never say, 'I can't bear to watch.'  Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.  I love you."