Last fall Abbie started having a few rough days here and there. She was in the beginning stages of dog dimentia/Alzheimer's. She became increasingly fearful of things that didn't seem to phase her before, and slowly, one by one, the things she loved and enjoyed most, started to become uninviting to her. She still had enough good days mixed in for us to know that she remained happy, but in the last several weeks, things started changing.
It sounds a little silly, but this was the most gut-wrenching decision of my life. It's not a decision I have ever been faced with before, but after discussions with those who knew Abbie best, I knew it was right. It was time to give Abbie the peace she deserves. In the few days leading up, every time I thought about it (which was a lot,) I felt like I was suffocating. Needless to say, Abbie received a lot of extra attention. So on August 16th, Abbie ate meals of hamburgers, pork, chicken, ice-cream, and some of her other favorite foods. She left peacefully and so quickly with Dave and I embracing her. As "emotional moments" in my life go, I would rank this right up there with getting married and the birth of my children. Abbie was truly a part of our family.
I'll be writing a tribute to Abbie very soon, but for now....my all time favorite picture of my girl.
3 comments:
This made me cry! I know how much you loved Abbie, and how she was your first baby. She will be missed by all! We love you guys!
In many ways Abbie grew up with us. She and Lady arrived in that stage where we were changing from adolescents into adults. They gave us unconditional love and shared many of our best memories. Abbie was part of the magic of you first meeting Dave, there to welcome home Isaac and Sam, a constant sweet presence in your life. The decision you made is a selfless one. You gave her a gift of not suffering. I know how painful it is to say goodbye. But gradually the good memories start to help fill that hole in your heart that hurts so much. And I think that a part of Abbie is still never far from you. I can't wait to see some of your favorite memories of the sweet labie-do.
Oh, I'm so sorry Becca. My thoughts are with you all. Sending lots of love your way.
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