Bonnie
Iv’e been a dog owner my whole life and at 54 years old I’ve had the unforgiving task of deciding when to put a number of them down. None have been easy but my last dog broke my heart. “Bonnie” was the best of all my dogs rolled into one. Loyal, friendly, obedient and my great (and sometimes only) companion. She did not hold my conservative views
against me.
In June of 2006 I noticed one eye was bulging from the socket. I took her to our vet who suggested we take her to an animal eye doctor. He concluded that her eye would have to be removed to extract a tumor that was growing behind it. We had the procedure done on June 14th and the tumor was found to be malignant.
Bonnie’s passion was to retrieve balls or frisbees. She did so until May 17th of 2007. I had told myself I would not put her down as long as she would bring back a ball I had thrown for her. On this day I withdrew my pledge and succombed to the better judgement of my friends and family. At this point I am sure I was the only person alive who thought it best to prolong her life. I, selfishly, did not want her to be gone.
Without going into detail I will say it was an agonizing year. With a fellow human one will go to the end of the earth to seek recovery. With a pet one is bound with financial limitations and therefore (as you have stated) you end up playing God and determining day by day the fate of your loyal companion. A companion who never whines or complains despite their deteriorating condition. A companion who lives life to the fullest with all
the attributes they have left to muster.
I will never know if that day was the proper day to put her down. I can only say there never would have been a good day. Since May I have been dogless. I miss the companionship and will soon get back in the game. I just dread the thought of agonizing through a
similar circumstance should it arise. From one “compassionate conservative” to another thank you for echoing the sentiments of those of us who are tired of watching our liberty erode.
I look forward to reading your book about Sprite.
Regards,
Scott from Idaho
October 29th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Hi there
Thank you for sharing your story about Bonnie. She sounds like she was simply wonderful. We love goldens too. We are sharing on story in Mark’s blog about our 14 year old named Meg. They are pretty amazing pets aren’t they?
October 29th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Hi Scott, your story about your beautiful Bonnie brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry about what you had to go through, and you may torture yourself wondering if you did the right thing, but in the long run, it’s the kindest thing you can do for your baby. Just last Monday I had to put my Cheyenne down. I’m dogless now too. I’m 53 and like you, have always had dogs in my life. You will just know when the time is right to get another pet, not to replace, but to fill that burning hole in your heart. May God bless you in your time of loss. Keren
October 29th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Scott,
All dogs go to heaven. If it weren’t true, I would rather stay here with them.
October 31st, 2007 at 10:03 am
This Dog looks a bit like Sprite. It’s Hair is longer, but the markings are very close. Very good looking dog.