at 1:10pm today we said goodbye to our sweet Reeses Pieces. We made the decision after she started to cough last night, and this morning. Something she hadn’t done but once in a while. We ensured that she saw our neighbor who always took care of her while we were away. We drove her to a park to let her sniff around, fed her an entire pack of hotdogs – no pills.
We walked her into the Vets office. I think that made it even worse. She doesnt know. But we know that we were never to see her again. Almost feel horrible …she trusted us and we walked her into a place for her to never see us again.
We sat on the floor with her head in our hands, scratching her head and back. She layed on the tumor. Something she always found very painful especially these last few weeks. She did it without hesitation, almost as if to say – i want you to remember the good side of me as i go.
I know we are going to go back and forth with if we did the right thing. I think we know in our hearts we did. She was coughing…which means its made it to her lungs. She had a massive size tumor where her leg once was, with another on her back. Over the last 3 days she didn’t want to go on her walks, but only stay in our yard – of which she was very happy doing still.
We spent the morning doing the things she loves….spending time with her people. For the first time in 10 years (for my husband, even longer since he had his dog we layed to rest last year before he met me) we sit in a dogless house.
The tears continue to flow as i type this. I was hoping for a sense of relieve, but that has yet to come. I know she’s no longer in pain, she’s not coughing, she’s not panting daily (though she did this anyway even when well) She’s not needing to take a walk break 200 feet into it. She isn’t wincing when she rolls onto the wrong side, pacing in our bedroom because she can’t get comfortable. She’s free. Visiting the other dog and cat she once knew, running around, laying where she wants to…and able to sleep comfortabally. It doens’t make it any easier for those of us still here 🙁
Thank you for this site. We unfortunately were only here a few too short months once we had Reeses become a Tripawd, but it has beena wonderful resourse to us. 3 legged dogs will have a special place in our hearts. Reeses taught us no matter what, you can do it. Being different was just fine by her, and she was happy as a tripawd member.
Wishing you peace and fond memories of Reeses.
I am so sorry that you had to do this, but please, please, please don’t feel guilty. Read what you wrote here: “…she trusted us and we walked her into a place for her to never see us again.”
Now, read it this way: “…she trusted us and we walked her into a place for her to never feel such unbearable pain again.”
Does that make a difference to you? I hope so. And it’s the reality. It’s the honest-to-God truth. Reeses had only you guys to be her voice, her advocate. And you did it! You advocated for what Reeses needed and you did it so very well.
Yes it hurts like crazy and yes your house is too quiet. It’s also going to be too clean and too tidy and too boring. And I’m so sorry for that. I truly am. But given the choice, do you see that there was no choice? You were unselfish. You knew the responsible, loving thing to do was to make Reeses suffer no longer once you were aware that she was suffering. That’s what love does.
You loved Reeses. She knew it. Please believe that.
Shari
So well written love. I can’t really add anything to what Sarah has here. She was loved, she spent her last hours most certainly happy. I couldn’t ask for much more for her considering all she was going through. I agree also, thanks for this site.
Shari, thank you. That does read Much better. And thank you for your words, means a ton
I am so very sorry for your pain at this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Thinking and hurting for you. She is running and pain free. Hugs to you and your husband.
We love you Reeses!
Suzie and Rizzo
Keeping your family in our thoughts tonight.
So sorry to hear about Resses. She is running pain free in the big dig park in the sky. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
-Kori & Lupe
We are so, so sorry, please accept our condolences. Reeses was such a sweetie, it’s clear that she was loved very much by all of you.
It’s so normal to feel guilty about making this decision but remember that making it sooner rather than later is always in the best interest of the dog. To be free of horrible pain is the most compassionate, kind gift one can give to their pup. I know it’s hard to see that now.
As time goes on though, you’ll see that the bond you shared can never, ever be broken. Reeses will always be by your side.
{{{{{hugs}}}}}
I am so sorry for your loss. Having had to make the same decision 5 weeks ago I understand all too well the pain and guilt you feel. I know I felt like I had betrayed Magnum’s trust.
Shari said it so perfectly…. “…she trusted us and we walked her into a place for her to never feel such unbearable pain again.”
These are really wise words. I hope you find comfort in them. My heart goes out to you.
we’re sorry that reeses adventures here with you are over, but remember the wonderful times you shared with her. your memories will be with you forever, and eventually the sadness does seem to ease. reeses was a beautiful girl, and her beautiful spirit will always be in your hearts. love never ends.
charon & spirit gayle
So very sorry for this great loss! I know that you will love her forever in your hearts!