We had to make the hard decision to finally put Jake down last Thursday. The pathology came back and it wasn't liver cancer but a badly infected liver. My son had come home to say his goodbyes and we had ourselves emotionally ready until the vet called with the change in diagnosis from the pathology report. We tried antibiotics with no guarantees that they would work and life in our home became a roller coaster for a few days. As it ended up Jake was just too week since he barely had eaten anything in a few weeks and after being on the strongest meds they could give him he didn't even have the strength anymore to stand. That isn't a car ride I ever want to experience again. The vet was so gentle and he himself even carried Jake's body out to the truck when it was over. He laid his hands on Jake and said nothing for a few seconds. He told us there was no charge and I could see Jake's death also affected him. He has taken care of him his whole 13 years of life. They had wrapped Jake in his favorite blanket and he was nicely curled up in a ball just like he used to on the living room carpet. They had also taped the blanket and the vet pointed out which end was his head. I really don't know why he felt the need to tell us that but it was very thoughtful. The picture above was taken last week on one of his better days but still not being able to stand. He had a wonderful life.
Today we received a single rose in a vase with a card from the Vet's office. If you click on the picture below you can read the card. I have heard of offices sending sympathy cards to the owners who have lost their pet but I had not heard of this. It was a thoughtful gesture that we greatly appreciated but it shouldn't have surprised us as the staff at this clinic are so compassionate.
Not much else to say. Just trying to adjust to the empty house.
~have fun and enjoy!
Hello Kim...I am a new reader of your blog, and stopped in this morning and read about your sad loss. I am so sorry. Jake sounds like he was a wonderful dog and a treasured member of your family and I know all too well how hard that last ride is. We are facing that same moment in time this week with our beloved cat, Miss Booey. She has been ill for some time and we know that it is time for us to say goodbye. Our pets do fill our homes with so much and the loss of them is profoundly sad. Jake was very lucky to have had such a wonderful family.
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