Sunday, April 01, 2007

Opie

My tater was put to sleep two days ago, and I may not be ready to write this, but whatever.
His kidneys shut down.
He fell asleep in my arms, wrapped in his blanket, and the last thing he remembered was my arms around him and my breath.
I miss him so much.
If you have an animal that's in their final extremity and you're dreading the final vet visit, I cannot emphasize enough that it is not bad at all, not horrible in any way. They gave Opie a hefty shot of painkillers first, and it was a blessing to feel him relax and to know he didn't hurt for the first time in a long time. He simply drifted off to sleep in my arms with me kissing his face and telling him he was loved. And once he was asleep the doctor injected him with the euthanasia drug. He never felt it. He simply slowed down and stopped. It was so quiet and gentle. I was with him all the way out.
It didn't take any longer than it might take to read this.
We're putting him in the yard, out front, and putting a dogwood tree over him.
I am going to take a week off.

30 comments:

  1. Hugs from me to you.

    Long live the Spirit of Tater.

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  2. My deepest condolences, dear FN. Been there many, many times. You dun good by 'im.

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  3. oh! not the tater...i'm so sorry. i got all welled up just from reading this short post.
    poor guy. hopefully it's comforting, if only a little, to know he had a good life with you and that you were able to give him as much comfort as possible up to the end.

    poor, poor tater. *hugs*

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  4. Anonymous12:50 PM

    So sorry Ms FN.
    The real Mutley - the one in the photos is 13. Thats why hes always asleep. Hes right by my feet - asleep - right now.
    Take care Ms FN. Thinking of you. xx

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  5. both a beautiful and a horrible thing. you did good, fn.

    take cares. come back soon.

    sg x

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  6. Poor doggie, I'm sorry to hear that.

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  7. I know exactly what you're going through. Poor sweetie, at least he's not suffering anymore. All hugs and warm thoughts and good vibes comin' your way.

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  8. Some of us know, firsthand, the pain you feel.
    But for people out there who have never faced this moment...thank you
    for your honest writing.
    Happy thoughts. Dinah

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  9. hello FN

    I'm so sorry

    the resting place tree sounds lovely

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  10. I'm so sorry to hear about Opie. Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures of him.
    x

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  11. I'm so very, very sorry, FN.

    I don't think I can say anything right now, but that we're all sending you big hugs. I know his love for you is still there, like your love for him.

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  12. So sorry FN, that is truly sad. I am glad he will have a shady resting place in his old home. Take good care. XOX ~ G

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  13. Anonymous10:20 PM

    Aw, I'm so sorry lovie, but at leastit was quiet and dignified, and he didn't drip his life away hooked up to some machine.

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  14. *hugs*

    My mom lost Tally about 3 years ago. A chinese shar pei, after my dad's death was most certainly my mom's most closest.

    She passed after overeating...the vet said her intestines were in literal knots. She paid over 2000 bucks for surgery but lost her faithful companion anyway.

    When mama hurt, I hurt...as I still miss Tally with her wrinkly face to this day.

    Take the time you need...we understand.

    *more hugs*

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  15. Anonymous11:22 PM

    Oh, honey, I'm so sorry. We had a kitty put to sleep last summer--first time my kids have experienced any sort of death. It never gets easier, does it?

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  16. Awwwww FN thats awful , but what a lovely way to go , being hugged by someone who loves ya..
    ****BEAST HUG***

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  17. ((X))

    sniff

    beautifully written

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  18. Anonymous3:42 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear that. That sounds like a lovely plan for your garden though.

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  19. Anonymous4:03 AM

    I was really sorry to read this FN. You did the right thing but that doesn't stop it hurting any less. Lots of love and hugs from me.

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  20. Anonymous4:04 AM

    realy sorry to f,n i had to have my little boy put down a while ago.. it is the worse thing ive ever had to do in my life! but it is so peaceful they dont feel thing tater probley running about playing in the great sky above us.. i know danny is i swear i see clouds that look like him.. but thats probley my medication kiking in :) lot of love and hugs!

    mr cunt the confussed homosexual.:)
    xxxxxxxxx

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  21. Oh, I'm so, so sorry. It's so hard.

    May the Tater rest in peace.

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  22. Anonymous12:53 PM

    email me if u like ...

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  23. everyone: thank you so much. opie would have been so glad to see how many nice people there are out there; he would have hit you all up for snacks and sat on your laps to be petted. and cut a really rank ass dog fart, more than likely. thanks everyone. i'm getting by pretty well. being there made all the difference.
    XOO to all of you
    fn

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  24. oh no! what a perfect5 way to go snuggled up in your loving arms. i'm so sorry love

    x

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  25. I am so sorry. It's never easy to lose a friend.

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  26. Anonymous3:45 PM

    years from now when you're old and gray, you'll remember the dogwood tree and why it's there and you'll smile when you remember tater.

    sorry for your loss.

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  27. Oh FN...I'm sooooo so sorry for your loss. I pray your heart heals in time... It's so hard to lose a beloved pet because they're more than just a pet, they are family.

    Big hugs to you m'dear.

    Hey, if we head up to the Skagit tulip festival, think you'd like to meet up?

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