No, I'm not talking about the human one...I'm talking about my furry child. (That human boy is pretty cute though, eh? hee hee....)Our dog Apollo will be eleven in July and we have been bracing ourselves for months now that she may not be with us much longer. I suppose that sounds horrible, but the poor girl has slowed down SO much in the past eight or ten months. I've been told by several veterinarians that I will "just know" when it's time to let her go. But I don't know if I will. Because if I had my choice, that day would never come.
Yesterday, I had to take her to the vet for some shots and for some reason I got myself very worked up before the appointment. I haven't been sleeping well for over a week, so I think part of it was just being overly tired, but I also was thinking of all the things I had to tell the vet. How poor Apollo struggles to pull up her back end every single time she stands up. How a short walk completely wears her out. How her bones crack and pop when she walks up and down stairs. How she will go more than 24 hours without eating sometimes. And so on and so on. As I thought about all these things, I got teary-eyed and was really worried the vet would tell me it was time to let her go. It's a horrible thing to think about.
Thankfully -- he did not tell me that. But he did say she is obviously slowing down and we are at the point where we should just do our best to make her as comfortable as possible.
I know some people don't understand such strong attachment to animals, but I am completely attached to this dog. She has been such a comfort to me over the years. She is so darn sweet, protective, silly, funny and lovable ... I seriously think the rest of us in the family could learn a thing or two from her!
On another note....I'm wondering where in the world this week has gone. Is it really Thursday already?? This has been one of those weeks when I feel like I just can't keep up with the normal day-to-day things -- laundry, cleaning, even cooking -- I'm just not on top of things whatsoever. ((sigh)) Maybe some day I'll get my act together.
Alright -- enough for today. If you have a furry child -- be sure to give them a little extra love today. I'll leave you with my very favorite picture of my sweet Apollo. Have a great day!
12 comments:
Well, who could resist that sweet face? She looks like a wonderful fur baby!! It's SO sad when they start slowing down and getting older and uncomfortable, I know. I had a dog like that, and he actually looked a lot like Apollo, too.
Hugs-
She is a gorgeous "child". IT will be so sad to see her go, but you will know....until then, just make her the happiest doggie on earth.
She is so adorable! I wish we had a dog, but not at the moment. :( It is really hard to let them go, but until then, just remember she's had a wonderful life with you!
Oh Rita, I'm sending cyber hugs your way...it wasn't that long ago that I was in that position. For me, I knew it was *that* time when it hurt so bad to see him in so much pain and not willing to even try to stand up. Trust me, you will know. I made sure I took lots of photos with the kiddos and outside photos, etc....and am so glad I did! Apollo is a beautiful dog and I'm sure you all have many wonderful memories! You have my email if you need to chat! Hugs girlie!
OMG Rita it is so hard to read this post. I just think of our little Noelle and can't bear to think of that day coming. She sleeps with us, snuggling inbetween us just like a kid until we start to doze then she picks one side or the other and curls up with one of us. She helps me with my dinner and sits here with me while I'm online. So I SO get what you're saying. {{HUGS}}
Oh boy Rita, I read this post this morning and have been thinking of what to say all day, but every time I do I tear up so bad I can hardly see. But I'm going to try this time.
I know exactly what you're feeling. I thought I was going to lose Barq's earlier this year and I could hardly function. When I talked to the vet he reminded me that he just isn't the puppy I want him to be anymore. But somehow he's doing great now. I have no idea why he was acting like he was.
I agree with everyone else. I would try to make everyday special for her. And I know you do that now so it's kind of silly for me to say it. But you are doing what you should be doing. She is so well loved I'm sure she knows it!
It's crazy how attached we become, I think it has a lot to do with how much unconditional love they give, and so non judgemental. We all want to be loved and they love us for us!
Apollo sounds like a fantastic friend. I wish I could meet her.
Remember, I'm only an email away!
Sending hugs and smoochies.
Boy I sure know how you feel, we had many of dogs growing up, they were family dogs and I just don't think it hit me really hard when we lost them, I know I was sad tho.
But when I got my very first own dog Kasha it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had her creamated and she is still with us in spirit.
They are just like our kids, Barqs and Lucky are sooooo spoiled.
Hope all is well and if you need anything just hollar.
Aw Rita!! I hate that!! Apollo has always been a good topic in your blogs!! Big hugs coming your way!!
*the human baby in the photo IS awfully cute*
She is SUCH A GOOD DOG! I hope you will keep her with you until you find the strength to let her go.
Awwww Hugs Rita! Hopefully You'll have lots longer with her!
I'm so sorry about your *baby* slowing down.
She is a beautiful dog.
She has the most beautiful face...her eyes go right through you!
It's so sad when they start to get older...Jennifer's dog Elmo is getting on in years...it hurts to watch her slow down...I understand how you feel...I feel the same way!
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