I had to say goodbye to one of my dogs on Sunday. One (sounded out as oh-nay) came into my life 14 years ago. She was a seven week old shiba inu puppy whom the owners had bought but hadn’t realized how high strung she’d be. She happened to be visiting the same vet as my dog (also a shiba inu), and when the owners couldn’t take it anymore, the vet reached out to me. Would I like to buy her for $700 (a big discount for a purebred shiba inu in Idaho 14 years ago)? I politely declined, not wanting to make the investment when I was already paying for my other dog’s broken leg. A couple days later, the vet called back. The owners would give me the dog for free if I was willing to give her a good home.
And so, in August of 2005, One came to live with us and became part of the family.
After five years of living among adults, we weren’t sure how she’d handle the addition of kids to the household. But once we brought home our daughter, we knew there wasn’t anything One wouldn’t do to protect her.
She guarded both children through infanthood, keeping a watchful eye to make sure nothing harmed her little humans.
This past year had been a rough one for One. At the end, she was blind, deaf, arthritic, and had a wound on her stomach that wasn’t healing. It was her behavior that concerned us the most. More and more often, she’d act like she was drunk, swaying in place before falling over. We had put off the decision for two weeks before finally agreeing that it was time to say goodbye.
My husband and I have been a wreck all week, but we’ve been keeping composed for the sake of the children. My son asked me last night when the dog was coming home from the animal hospital. I fought off tears when I told him she wasn’t coming home. I think that same realization hit my remaining dog, as he’s been whining and looking out the window as if waiting for her to return. My daughter seems to understand what’s happened, but not the gravity of it.
We love you, One. You will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. That is such a tough decision that never sits well. Blessing to you.
Loni, I’m so sorry for your loss. Our pets are such an important part of our lives, and they can leave such a hole when they leave. I pray the the pain eases soon.
I’m sorry! You gave One a good and loving home. She was family. Wish the furry ones lived as long as we do.
Hugs, Loni. That is one of the hardest things. I have two dogs who are getting old. One is aging well, the other is having issues. So far, none have hurt his quality of life. He has that same lack of balance. We thought it was a stroke, turns out it is an aging inner ear problem that can’t be fixed. I keep praying I never have to choose to put him down. That’s so hard, but sometimes the day comes and you have to do the hardest thing.
I don’t think there’s a pet owner alive that doesn’t understand that pain. It’s tough, but you did the right thing and she had 14 loving years with a family who understood her needs.
Sending lots of hugs your way.
I am sorry, Loni. This is heartbreaking. Losing a fur child is so difficult. Sending love & healing to you and your family. ?
I’m so very sorry! Been there with so many of our cats – it’s heartbreaking. It’s okay to be a mess. Means you loved deeply.
I’m so, so sorry. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. I really can’t. I wish I could hug you, but since I’m in FL and don’t have go-go-gadget arms, it’s probably impossible. ***sending virtual hug***
That’s always rough. I’m so sorry. But it was time, it sounds like.
Oh, that is a heart-breaker. It is so painful to be the one to decide that the pet has had enough. I’ve gone through that three times in the past several years. Sending hugs. Sounds like One was a truly special member of the family.
Loni – so so sorry. Yes, it is so hard to have them leave us, even when their life becomes a struggle. I’m so glad for the circumstances wherein you all were able to become her family. What a wise doctor and considerate former owners. So many tears. But extra hugs for the dog that’s left, yes?
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, Loni. You all gave One a wonderful life and she, in turn, enriched all of yours. What a gift!
Oh no! I’m so sorry. Stay strong!
So sorry to hear about this. We lost one of our dogs suddenly in December – I know how much it hurts. She had a long life and all the love – who could ask for more?
Sorry to hear about this. At least you gave her a good home. Big hugs. I have heard that bread is very high maintenance.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was beautiful. {{{hugs}}}
So sorry for your loss. It’s hard to let go of someone/something you love, and they’re as much a part of the family as people are.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs.
So very sad when such a special family member makes the crossing. Blessings and love to all your family from a family with five dogs in another part of Idaho’s Treasure Valley.
I’m heartbroken for you and your family. One was beautiful.
Saying goodbye to fur babies is so hard š
Crying here. What a wonderful tribute.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Anna from elements of emaginette
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose furbabies. It seems you’ve given her a great home while she was here.