The seventeeth of September, 2014 was a memorable day - but not in a good way.
Owners often talk with me about making the "final decision" for their pet. I have seen checklists of things you need to look at, and behaviours your pet may show. But when you are emotionally invested in the living creature in front of you, the decision you are making to let them go with dignity is because you love them so much, not because it is the easiest thing to do. And checklists don't always help.
It was on this Wednesday, that was George's final day with us - with Dirk, with me, and after school - with our children Tegan and Paige.
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| George's Last Day - soaking up the "rays" |
But don't forget to come back to make a dedication to the "Old Man", or the "Old Codger", otherwise known as George.
On that sad Wednesday, he struggled to walk. Dirk refused to believe this was the end, so he gently carried him outside, and sat him in the sun.... "to warm up his bones", he said.
As I looked through the kitchen window watching the two of them, my heart sank further. The "warming of the bones" was not going to be enough. As Dirk pulled out his phone to take his own photos of George, it was clear that he also knew this was going to be George's last day.
As I joined them outside, George's eyes locked with mine - he was confused and scared. George had a "vestibular episode" that day, which meant he didn't know which way was up or down (hence his head tilt). From human terms, similar to a stroke.
At least, he lifted his head as best as he could, and with my hand on his cheek, rubbed his cheek gently on my hand, purring gently. But it was a different purr which saved his life many months earlier.
My sweet little man. How are we to let you go, when we need your wisdom and kindness?
As your eyes locked with mine, and for the first time since we met you, you told us that it was time to let you go. When we first met you, with your infected feet, your purred, and looked at us to save you. But who would've guessed that it was us you saved.
Many people have asked me how old you were... you weren't telling, but we knew you were old.
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| George - his last day. |
Many also asked me about your previous life... again that was a secret only you and your previous family knew. But we knew from the state you were when you came in, that the past few months, possible year, weren't easy ones.
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| George - on his second last day. How we will remember him. |
You gave us a gift that Saturday afternoon many months ago.
We hope that we were able to return that to you in the six months that you were part of our family.
Let us celebrate the happy life you had, and the gift you gave all of us, and all of those who met and knew you.
Lift a glass and light a candle... In memory of George!
From our Facebook page of well wishes....
"Go get all the mice George. RIP" Emma
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Sometimes pets come into our lives for only a very short time but what a difference they can make. Thank you so much, all of you, for giving George an extra 6 months of sunshine and love. R.I.P George, you were very much loved indeed." Lynda
"Oh, don't know what to say, he was such a beautiful boy, no more pain bud. So sorry, feeling very sad for you all, take care and much love from jenny"
"RIP George, I'm glad that you were surrounded by such wonderful people for the last chapter of your life. Run free on the rainbow bridge with non-achy joints kitty.
"RIP George - I will miss you teasing my puppies when we come to visit xx" Jess
Light a candle in memory of all of our loved family members.
