Beulah Honey 1991? - 2010 - R.I.P.
On April 1st I was fooled by my dog, Beulah. We had to take her to the vet yesterday, to a 5 PM appointment after my PT. For the past two days she wasn't eating, and could keep nothing down, not even a few sips of water. So a vet visit was important. I fully expected that she had perhaps eaten something in the yard she shouldn't have, and probably had a UTI or something like that, because she'd been unable to hold it for a couple of days. When we'd come home from PT she was excited as usual; She was still somewhat alert and wagged her tail. I fully expected to get a bill for an exam and a prescription for antibiotics for her.
But that wasn't what happened. Her exam didn't show anything unusual for a geriatric Basset Hound except that she was very weak and lethargic. We got her in 1993, and the vet then told us she was about two years old. We think she'd either been abused, or lived on the street for awhile, because she had issues. Anyway. Yesterday the vet said she couldn't find anything wrong with her without doing a fair amount of blood work, and getting a urine sample, etc. etc., all of which would require about a three day stay in the hospital.
Beulah was at least 17 years old, possibly 19. The doctor said with no other information, she expected that it was kidney failure, or possibly some kind of cancer. So given her age, we decided to have dear Beulah euthanized, with DH at her side and rubbing her ears and talking gently to her that she would be better soon. Then the shot was given and she died very peacefully. And I miss her energy in the house (what energy she had lately :-)). And DH took the cats out to say good bye. And the house seems a little more empty without her in it.
We are dogless for the first time since 1989.
Good Night, TTYL and Be Well
Webster
But that wasn't what happened. Her exam didn't show anything unusual for a geriatric Basset Hound except that she was very weak and lethargic. We got her in 1993, and the vet then told us she was about two years old. We think she'd either been abused, or lived on the street for awhile, because she had issues. Anyway. Yesterday the vet said she couldn't find anything wrong with her without doing a fair amount of blood work, and getting a urine sample, etc. etc., all of which would require about a three day stay in the hospital.
Beulah was at least 17 years old, possibly 19. The doctor said with no other information, she expected that it was kidney failure, or possibly some kind of cancer. So given her age, we decided to have dear Beulah euthanized, with DH at her side and rubbing her ears and talking gently to her that she would be better soon. Then the shot was given and she died very peacefully. And I miss her energy in the house (what energy she had lately :-)). And DH took the cats out to say good bye. And the house seems a little more empty without her in it.
We are dogless for the first time since 1989.
Good Night, TTYL and Be Well
Webster
Webster - so wonderful you had your dog for so many years. Even so, it's always sad when they die. In February, one of our dogs, only 4-1/2, died unexpectedly so I have a strong sense of what you're going through. Sorry for your troubles.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm sorry. Losing a pet is never easy especially one who has been with you for so long.
ReplyDeleteOh Webster - so sorry.
ReplyDeleteThe words do sound empty but gosh I know the loss of your Beulah is hard.
I know you know that you made the right decision a hard one that only can come from love.
If I had your snail mail addy we would for sure mail off a sympathy card and Catfish and Annie would sign it.
Cuddle the kitties - hugs to you and your DH and take care.
Jan
I'm so sorry to hear this. Sometimes letting them go is the kindest thing you can do, but it still hurts. She had a good long run, and a home where she was loved. You can't do any better than that.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind words. Having pets is such a joy and sometimes a pain in the ass, but losing them is tough. But they son't live as long as we do, so we know going in that the day will come when we have to say good bye. Usually we have time to get used to the idea. No so with Beulah, though. But it's okay, because I know she hasn't been comfortable for quite awhile and now she is.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwwww...that's sad.
ReplyDeleteI just stopped by to let you know that you won 8 CROCHET PATTERNS in my Give-Away! Please send me your mailing info and these will go out next weekend.
My email addy is in the right column, under the 1st photo, in the text.
Jan
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. It's never easy knowing when it's the right time .. with an older dog.
ReplyDelete