The Gift DSC_6104-
It is almost 4 months to the day that I wrote about my beloved Standard Poodle Ash being diagnosed with Cancer-malignant melanoma, the same disease my mother died from so it's been a hard road in lots of ways. But it has also been a privilege to care for her. At 14.5 I know she has lived a happy, spoilt life with so much love and attention. She has been loved by many- the local community, by my friends and by my family, always a central part of our gatherings.
My first goal was to get her to my sons 21st, then to hope she was well enough to leave her at home with him while we went to Hawaii and then to have her for Christmas (there was always a stocking for her and some reindeer ears to wear). The New Year was a bonus. We made it.
Knowing when to let go is the hardest thing but the best gift we can give. On Thursday I knew it was time. She was terrified of the vet so I didn't want to put her through that journey. I found the most wonderful organisation that come out to your home. It was peaceful, beautiful with no anxiety or pain for her. It allowed us as a family to hold her through the process and say goodbye at our own pace.
It was the best gift I could give to the very best dog in the world that has given us so much unconditional love and joy. My shadow is empty just for now.
I know many of my Flickr friends are dog lovers so go and give them a big hug from me.
The Gift DSC_6104-
It is almost 4 months to the day that I wrote about my beloved Standard Poodle Ash being diagnosed with Cancer-malignant melanoma, the same disease my mother died from so it's been a hard road in lots of ways. But it has also been a privilege to care for her. At 14.5 I know she has lived a happy, spoilt life with so much love and attention. She has been loved by many- the local community, by my friends and by my family, always a central part of our gatherings.
My first goal was to get her to my sons 21st, then to hope she was well enough to leave her at home with him while we went to Hawaii and then to have her for Christmas (there was always a stocking for her and some reindeer ears to wear). The New Year was a bonus. We made it.
Knowing when to let go is the hardest thing but the best gift we can give. On Thursday I knew it was time. She was terrified of the vet so I didn't want to put her through that journey. I found the most wonderful organisation that come out to your home. It was peaceful, beautiful with no anxiety or pain for her. It allowed us as a family to hold her through the process and say goodbye at our own pace.
It was the best gift I could give to the very best dog in the world that has given us so much unconditional love and joy. My shadow is empty just for now.
I know many of my Flickr friends are dog lovers so go and give them a big hug from me.