We will remember this move as the one when we learned to give up.
~Matt gave up another position he really wanted to take this tour to Japan that he knew would be better for our family.
~I am giving up my job. Again.
~We are giving up appliances, furniture, books, clothes, toys, and craft closets.
~We are giving up our desire to be back on the West coast (for now).
But perhaps the hardest give this time will be our fifteen-year-old Labrador, Baby. We’ve had her since she was a three-month-old quivering bundle of pound-puppy-nerves that could flatten herself into your pants leg if she thought you were going anywhere without her. She chewed remotes and vertical blinds to self-medicate her separation anxiety. She graciously survived numerous neighborhood children, dogs, duty stations, and road trips (with her doggie ramp!). She mostly holds down the carpet now, but two vets have confirmed that she has aggressive sarcoma cancer.
Before Matt went underway last week, he scheduled her…her…departure? Because I am not capable of walking my dog into the vet and then carrying an empty leash and collar out, Matt will take her two weeks from today when he gets back. The kids don’t know yet, so I keep giving Baby the doggie Vicodin and watching her tail wag, feeling like a traitor. I know it is a great mercy to let her go before she is in further pain and before we leave, but I am selfish.
I think she knows it is coming. We have never fed her people food—not even leftovers. When I held out a crunchy slice of bacon from the counter Saturday morning, she cocked her head for a moment, and then she lapped it down, tail wagging. With that, we wait.
Matt with Baby in 1997
My dear friend, I am SO sorry! I will be praying for you all in the coming weeks & months. My sister, whose family lost their 11 yr old Golden suddenly 5 weeks ago, also sends her prayers. May our God of all comfort wrap you in a cocoon of peace and comfort. Love you!
Thanks J– hope things are going well in CO this week. Been thinking about you all.
So sorry Sue. When we had to put Jonah to sleep Josh and I were sad for ourselves, but even more painful was seeing how sad the kids were, especially Carter. Praying for your kids in advance. Love you.
The kids know she has cancer, and (before we knew she would have to be put down so soon) we had already discussed that she would likely die while we were in Japan. I am hoping that will soften the blow, but I am still bracing for the grief, especially so close to our packout date. Ugh. Thanks for your prayers.
I took Pokey to the vet while our Jennifer was at school. He was sixteen and could no longer stay balanced on his own little feet.
I thought I was sparing everyone else the overwhelming misery of it. However, Jen still recalls that she didn’t get to say “Good-bye”. That was 25 years ago, but I realize now that I should have done it differently.
It’s impossible to be a perfect parent/person. I just keep trying.
So difficult, Lynda. Definitely planning to tell them a day or two ahead.
So sorry Sue…You will all be in our prayers. Praying this will ultimately make it easier on the kids…the fact that they won’t have to leave Baby behind when you move. I know she has been an amazing part of your family for so long and I’m sorry you have to go through it…in my prayers….
Thanks, Heidi. Miss you all and can’t wait to see you.
I have always wanted my dogs to know that laying in my lap, they were safe and not so afraid of the vet. So I have always, with lots of tears, held them tight and talked to them while they were getting their shots. I feel good, now, years later, knowing that the last person they were in contact with was someone they knew and loved and they were a little more at peace. I can’t believe Shotsee is still kicking and doing so well without Dad. He will be 16 on July 1st.
Love and hugs to you and the kids as you all say goodbye to a good old pal.
http://fastq.com/~nlellis/dogspoem.htm
Aunt Nancy