In the last several years, Sadie developed joint problems and an enlarged heart. We believe she was also mostly blind, and likely deaf. Sadie couldn't walk as much and so got fat, fatter than she already was, and we couldn't exercise her. The low fat "diet" food left her hungry, and she loved to nuzzle thru the litter box for "treats". She was single minded like a cocker, so barriers rarely stopped her. But Sadie was the very definition of a "good dog" in almost every way. Despite being a cat lover, I still strongly believe we humans don't deserve the love we get from dogs. If you have a dog that loves you, you have something of an immeasurable value better than anything else you can have in life, the greatest possession of all. A dog's love is that and more.
She also in the last year developed a problem with fluid in her lungs, she began to have real problems breathing. Her breaths had a harsh gasping sound. Our regular vet suggested taking her to an emergency vet for consultation, and after some tearful words, had to make the decision. Not based on economics, but on the medicine. We might have put her on a course of drugs, she was already taking five for her heart and joints, so what's another one or two. But how much longer would that kept her with us, a year at best? Only to see her suffer more in that time? As much as neither of us wanted to, we knew it was time. A quick couple of shots and it was over. Now I had an inconsolable wife and a hefty bill to pay. But we both also have memories of possibly the best dog either of us has known, something to keep near our hearts to our own death.
So..., how was your Saturday?
