Our last week together

[karincam1]

Hello, my name is Karin, and I will have to say goodbye to my 14 year old dog Cubby, diagnosed with Cushing's over a year ago. He responded well to Vetoryl, but his age, and his diagnosis, has made these last few weeks very difficult for him. He has lost almost all of the use of his back legs, and cannot get up after a long nap. He has fallen out of bed, and his back legs cannot hold him up at times.
I spoke with my vet, and together, we have decided to peacefully end his life.
He will take his lat breath here at home, surrounded by his pack members, and in my arms, hearing my voice as he leaves this world.
Today I am filled with sadness, and remember the joyous days we have been together.
We have one more week until I say goodbye. I am asking for prayers for comfort, and a peaceful passing for Cubby.
Thank you for your thoughts, and prayers,
Karin

[molly muffin]

Oh Karin, welcome to you and Cubby. I am so sorry that this time in your lives has arrived, but know you have a lot of other people here on the forum who have walked this path and you are not alone.

Was he on trilostane/vetroyl treatment for the past year? Did all his other symptoms clear up during that time?

We are here and anything you want to share with us, we would be privileged to be listen and share with you.

Sharlene and molly muffin

[karincam1]

Thanks M&M....yes, he has been on Vetoryl, but with his age, I knew it would just prolong his life for a while. I hope you all have a long and healthy life together! Thanks for your post.
Karin

[addy]

My heart goes out to you. I lost my little girl in February. We are never ready to say goodbye.

We are here if you need us.

[Harley PoMMom]

Oh Karin,

I am sorry, making the decision to let them go is so incredibly difficult but it is made with the utmost love we have for them. Dear Karin, we do understand what you are going through, and please remember we are here for you. Keeping you and Cubby in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs, Lori

[pansywags]

Karin, my heart breaks for you. We are never done loving our dogs and it's so hard to give them that final gift of ending their suffering. We will be here for you.

[Robert]

Hi I have held two dogs as they passed into the next world the last two years. It is a heartbreaking but peaceful and dignified process. And your little mate will not be suffering anymore. Thinking of and praying for you and yours.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Good morning Karin,

I'm so sorry you are having to make that final decision of Cubby's life. My Cush baby, Tia, left on her own August 11, 2013, she was almost 14 1/2. My Mama Tippi, 16 years old, had congestive heart failure and we made that same gut wrenching decision on December 30, 2013.

A lot of us here have been in your situation and do understand what you are feeling. Please know that you are not a lone and that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sending much love,
Donna

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Karin,

Thank you for trusting us with your Heart at this time. Many of us know only too well what you are dealing with today and will face in the days to come; we do understand your pain and are honored that you will allow us to help you through this.

That certain "knowledge" creates a bittersweet time for both you and Cubby. It is a time to share in the memories the two of you have created, to talk of times past and of times to come. It is a time for favorite treats and scratches and to see the intense joy those simple things can bring. It is a time for expressing gratitude and giving assurances that this love will never end. It is a time for acute awareness of all Life around you, an awareness that will lead to an understanding of the continuity of our existence, an awareness that we are all One, united by a single thread.

This poem was given to me recently when the time came for me to come to this same realization with my Sweet Bebe, Squirt, and it has brought me much comfort. I hope you find some of the same in these words by John O'Donohue -

Beannacht

On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.

And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets into you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.

John O'Donohue

Please know you are not alone - we are here anytime you wish to talk.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[karincam1]

So many wonderful well wishes. Animal lovers have the biggest hearts, the kindest souls, and it turns strangers into friends and family. Thank you,
Karin and Cubby

[celeste]

Hi Karin and Cubby
I'm pretty new here but I wanted to tell you with tears in my eyes how brave you are. We humans can be so selfish when it comes to our beloved pets, keeping them near to us knowing their pain. You, my sweet girl are selfless and I'm so sure you have given your dear Cubby a wonderful and happy life. Some of us will have to go through this at some point, as most of our pups are very old. This is a cruel disease, striking at the most vulnerable time in their life. My boy is suffering as well and hope I don't have to make that decision for a awhile. But...if I do, I will think of these kind people who have helped a total stranger with the stress and worry of their beloved pet. May you stay strong through this time and know that all of us will be holding you in our prayers.
Celeste

[scoora]

Karin,
You and Cubby are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you both lots of loving hugs.

[Squirt's Mom]

Guardian Angel of Pets

Hello. I've been expecting you for quite some time.
Here, come sit beside us for awhile.
and let me tell you about this old friend of mine.
He might look tattered or maybe old
But I won't say goodbye until you've been told.
He had the brightest eyes I had ever seen,
And wore a beautiful fur coat that would out shine a king.
He was never prissy but walked with an aire ......
And oh so polite, you could take him most anywhere.
He could run like the wind and could catch anything he chased
But he protected and sat with me when I had problems to face.
You could not find a friend nearly so dear.
Because no matter the trouble he always stayed near...
He has never asked for much from me;
Just to love and respect him and I think you'll agree.
To give him a good meal plus a nice warm bed is not much to ask
When he has given me all his love and to him this was no task.
Now I understand you have a schedule to keep.
But I have a small favor before he nods off to sleep.
Please fold your wings around him and let him feel young while in no pain.
Dear Guardian Angel of Pets,
please keep him safe and happy until I see him again.

By Ginger Patton


My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your sweet boy.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[apollo6]

Dear Karin and sweet Cubby. Know that you acting in love and kindness toward your sweet loving Cubby. We are here to support you during this painful and difficult time.
Sonja and Angel Apollo

[Robert]

Thinkng of and praying for you and cubby.

[gatorgirl_bama]

Karin,

You and Cubby are in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna

[Callie's mom]

My heart cries for you. It is our common desperate search for help for our babies that brings us together here and yet we all know we will walk your path. I take after my mom in that losing our dear animal loves quite often seems harder than losing our people ones. Probably because unlike us complicated humans, they only have love for us. My mom, gone now, was religious and whenever she would meet a new preacher, she would ask them her most burning theological question...do animals go to Heaven? She knew they did and we do too, rest in peace Cubby.

[molly muffin]

Hi Karin,

Thinking of you and Cubby.

Sharlene and molly muffin