Chance

Nir · March 10, 2005

Chance

Yesterday it was over. The syringe piston was inserted and within ten seconds you no longer knew I was still there, beside you, loving, embracing, shedding tears. Within a minute your heart stopped beating. The end of a wonderful eleven-year friendship, a period of service in which you gave everything; to me, to my family, to my children. One more caress you could no longer feel and I left quickly – to deal with my conscience, to cry by myself, to hug my family.

From your first nights in our home, when I took you to sleep with me, to comfort you in your longing for the warmth and closeness of your mother and siblings, to your last difficult and painful weeks, lacking the mischievous and dignity that characterized your life, you brought us so much joy. You were always happy when we came, wagging not only your docked tail but your whole banana shaped body and you so enjoyed our caresses and hugs. You would run to bring a ball, daring us to try and grab it, not giving in … triumphant in your small victory. From a small puppy exerting yourself to raise your front feet on the kitchen stool, to a big ten year old puppy, gracefully leaping over sofa with joy and excitement to be the first at the door on our arrival, you were a playful dog with a loving heart. I raised you and you raised my children, your adopted brothers who you accepted with so much love. You absorbed yourself in their attention and enjoyed their play and hugs.

The end is so sad. It was so sad to see your health deteriorating and your pain. The last day was very painful for me – taking you out for the last time, feeding you for the last time … how difficult it was for me to take the role of God and decide your destiny. I am not worthy. Although I understand it is my duty, that there is nothing more humane that I can do for you, my heart aches.

Even in your last moments you gave me your unlimited faith. “Sit”, and you sat, submissively, as though you understood, as though you knew. You were indifferent to my presence. Was this approval on your part? Was it your will?

I was asked and gave permission. I ordered the syringe piston inserted and within ten seconds you no longer knew I was still there, beside you, loving, embracing, shedding tears.

Andy · March 10, 2005

my sympathies, nir.

putting a pet down is never easy. my thoughts are with you as you mourn the loss.

andy

Michiel de Brieder · March 10, 2005

my condolences Nir, it is always hard to lose a dear friend....

BridgeCity · March 10, 2005

Sorry to hear Nir, I hope people's prayers find you well

Angelo · March 10, 2005

Chance:

It's taken me a few minutes to compose myself and respond to you. Such a loving tribute. I feel for your loss. I recently had the same experience with my Cocker Spaniel, Abbie, who lived a wonderful 19 yrs.

wxwax · March 10, 2005

So sad. Beautifully written, Nir, you brought a tear to my eye.

ehughes · March 10, 2005

A very nice tribute Nir.. I'm sure most of us have had that experience with a pet at one time or another, but it's never easy.. Take Care

Ed

4labs · March 10, 2005

I am terribly sorry for your loss. That was a wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing it with us.

marlof · March 10, 2005

I'm sorry about your loss, Nir. For what it's worth: it sure looks like your dog put his faith in the right human.

Mitchell · March 10, 2005

Sorry for your loss. You did him justice with your beautiful and moving tribute.

mitch

Steve Cavigliano · March 10, 2005

My sincerest condolences Nir.

What a beautiful and well written eulogy. Please, don't blame yourself for ordering the injection. I'm sure Chance knew how much he meant to you and knew that you were always looking out for his best interests, even to the end.
That you made the ultimate decision, as painful as it was for you, to try to ease his pain and suffering shows how deeply you cared.

Chance is physically gone, but his spirit lives on in your heart and mind.

So sorry Nir,
Steve

luckyrwe · March 11, 2005

"If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went."
Will Rogers, 1897-1935

Ann McRae · March 11, 2005

My condolences, Nir. What a loving remembrance!

Take care

ann

David_S85 · March 11, 2005

Its never an easy thing to do. And shouldn't be.
My sincere sympathy...

When I went through this late last year, I was in tears and trembling and hardly able to speak when I signed the written order at the vet hospital for our 13-yr. old cat. They are truly full members of the family from day one until the end of their lives, aren't they?

May you find peace in your decision, and remember all the good days you had together.

:cry

lr1811 · March 11, 2005

a sad day
I am sorry for your loss Nir. When I think about the pain I went through with 2 of my dogs, I wonder if it's worth ever having another. Then I look at your shots and a lot of great memories make me smile again.

Brian

luckyrwe · March 11, 2005

I have three dogs. It is always worth having another. I am glad that I can give the dogs a wonderful life. So many of them at the shelter would love just one day of love.

lynnesite · March 11, 2005

The hardest part of our lives with pets is that we have to say goodbye so often...it's hard to make that choice when they try so hard to stick it out. I hope your happy memories give you some peace. Love the butt shot!

Lynne

ian408 · March 11, 2005

Nir,

Thanks for sharing something near and dear to your heart, Chance. The
pictures gave us a sense of who he was. Hard to pick a favorite from that
bunch but the family with dog looking over the wall is a good example of
how we include our pets in our lives.

Beautiful eulogy.

Ian

Khaos · March 11, 2005

My sympathy on your loss.

You've done a beautiful tribute to your lost family member.

Nir · March 11, 2005

My sincere thanks to all you guys for your very kind words!

Chance was indeed a member of the family. The kids treated him as their brother and always spoke of him so. Over the past 2 months or so the signs were pretty clear but it was easier not to believe. This was our first parting with a pet of so many years who was really so much a part of the family. I still expect him to pop into the kitchen as we sit to dine...

You guys are great and make it just a little easier!

Thank you!

Chance

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