Saturday, April 25, 2009

Goodbye, Bunny Dog



We have had a rough few days. On Thursday afternoon, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let our dog go. After the incident I wrote about in my last post, I came home at lunchtime on Wednesday to let Magic out and he had messed again. That's when I knew it was more than just waiting too long the day before. My husband didn't get home until almost 1:00 a.m. on Thursday morning and in the wee hours we decided that the vet had to be called that day. By Thursday our sweet boy couldn't walk at all and was in pretty bad shape. I took the photo above when my littlest boy and I left for school Thursday morning. At that point I didn't know if I would ever see Magic alive again. I drove us to school with tears streaming down my cheeks. That morning I took 116 children and adults on a field trip to the zoo, but my mind was on my dog all morning. It was a hard morning. Luckily, since it was a field trip day I was home in the afternoon and that is when the vet came out to our home with his technician. After explaining all our options, my husband and I decided that the most humane course of action was to have the vet end our dog's life peacefully. We were both with him until the very end. It's very hard to see your beloved pet alive one minute and not the next. That is how fast the process is. I didn't realize that. I guess that's better than it being prolonged, but it was so very very painful to watch. I really wanted us both there though and I'm grateful we were able to do that for him.

Our bunny dog was a good boy. He showed up on our property the day after Thanksgiving a few years ago and we adopted him. He was around 8 when we got him and was a perfect fit for our family. He was so gentle with our boys and just an all-around great dog. I called him "Bunny Dog" because when you talked to him, he would sometimes perk up one or both of his ears, making him resemble a bunny. We will miss you, Bunny Dog. We love you. We are so glad you could share your last years on earth with us.

21 comments:

Amber said...

Oh I am so sorry about your dog. Hope you are finding peace and comfort during this time!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Bunny Dog. I pray for you, your family and Bunny Dog and know that out there someone else's heart ache's for your loss. Take care...

Dawn said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Stephanie said...

I don't comment here often, but I am really sorry about your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts today.

berrypatch said...

So sorry for the loss of your dog. I had a similar issue a few years ago when we had to say goodbye to our dog of 14 years. She was fine one day & had suffered a stroke the next. So sad & hard to say goodbye.

whispering loudly said...

We had almost the EXACT same experience yesterday afternoon... and just one month ago lost our other dog. Everything is still much to raw to write about for me, but after reading your post, I just had to comment.

I am truly sorry and know just how you feel. I'm sorry.

jojoebi-designs said...

I am sorry to hear about your dog, it is always hard to lose a best friend. I do feel that you made the right choice, I hate to see animals suffer and in pain because their owners are too selfish to let them go. It is a shame that we are not allowed to do the same for family members!
At least he is at peace now and you will be able to remember him as the lovable family dog not an cripple who messed up your carpets. :o)

Anna Q said...

I'm so sorry.

Tess said...

:(

Ellen said...

These are the times of life where being a grown up is so hard! You know you take the best decision but you hate doing it! I went through that same experience with a dog and as you say: one minute there, the other gone. You can be proud of yourself....you gave him the best possible end, not all dogs have that chance!
All I can say is that he will be living in your memories now but that's a good thing. He was lucky to have you.

pink and green mama MaryLea said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Bunny Dog. Pets are family members too and they are greatly missed -- it really is a death in the family. I'll have you and your family in my thoughts.

Denise said...

I am so sorry to hear this. The loss of a pet is such a painful time for a family. I wish comfort and peace for your family.

Anonymous said...

Godspeed to the Rainbow Bridge, Bunny Dog.

My thoughts are with you and yours.

kelly r said...

My heart goes out to you and your family...I know what a difficult time this can be. I remember wondering if my heart would ever stop aching...have faith and find comfort in knowing what a wonderful home you gave him!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear that. We went through the same terrible decision four years ago and I know it's a devastating thing. She had been with us 13 years. The only thing that conforts me is knowing that she had a good life with us.

Bunny Dog will live forever in your hearts. I know this is a hard and aching moment for all of you. I'm very sorry.

Helena

P.S. Sorry about my poor English, this is not my mother tongue, but I wanted to comment.

Andrea said...

What a sweet-looking dog. Sorry for your loss. It really hurts to lose a loved one. I am sure Magic was happy to have his loved ones near when he left our world. Peace be with you and yours!

Anonymous said...

I am tearing up for you. It's hard to lose a pet, but infinitely harder (I think) to explain the loss to your kids. I'll be thinking of you and your family!

Bernadette said...

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your pet. We have a dog who is now 6 years old and she is my first pet. I have never experienced what you have just been through but am teary as I write this. They are so much more than just a pet and bring joy into our lives even on days when things aren't going well.

I really hope you and your family are coping well with this. Bunny Dog was very fortunate to have you all in her life as you were, too. Trust that she is now resting peacefully and is not suffering anymore.

Teresa said...

So sorry. :(

Maddy said...

I am a fan of your Montessori blog and just wanted to say that I am so sorry. My in-law's just had to put down their sweet little dog, Sierra, and she looked EXACTLY like your Bunny Dog. Have you ever read the poem "A Dog's Plea"? It goes like this:

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

Jennifer Howard said...

I know this is an older post of yours but I was looking for something and stumbled across it. I'm sorry to read it and sad for you and your family.
Sending you a big hug and love,
In PEACE
Jennifer