I recently moved to the west coast for a job. In doing so, I left behind my dog, Sonny. This is not really anything new.While I was in graduate school, he lived with my parents for six years, because I traveled so frequently with the debate team. Plus, running free in the country is what he had become accustomed to by that point. So while he is my dog, he has really become the family’s dog. This does not make being 2,500 miles away while he is sick any easier though. I do know though that he is in good and loving hands with my parents.
In the last two weeks, his health has started to worsen. When I left, I did not think I was saying goodbye for the last time. It still may not have been. The vet is not very optimistic, but I guess we will see. He is staying overnight at the vets, which just breaks my heart that he is not at home. I just pray that if we have to, my family and I have the strength to do what is right for him.
You know how much of a part of the family he is by the fact that my dad is crying, even in front of other people. When Sonny and I moved back home before I started graduate school, my sister took her life. Sonny and my dad, and the rest of the family, bonded through the grief of that experience. Dogs have a way of comforting you during the worst of times. I just hope we can comfort him now. He deserves it.
I will never forget picking him out at the dog store. He came out of his cage and immediately peed in the play area. He never really stopped peeing where he should not do it.
I will never forget the first time I heard him snore. I said, he is supposed to do that? Well, over the years, it only got louder.
I will never forget having to chase after him, as he went across the street to play with children at school. He would often hide under the bus and the driver would have to yell for “Baxter” to come out. Baxter was the name of a Boston Terrier who was in commercials at that time.
He loved each new member of the family. Him and my niece have become best friends. I hope it is not time to have to explain death to her.
I saw a commercial last night for dog food. It was about taking care of dogs through all stages of their life. I just lost it. Dogs provide so much joy to our lives. Yet, I know we have to do what is right for him.
I am not sure this diary has a point. I just needed a place to write. It helps me grieve. Please just pray, or send good wishes/vibes, for Sonny, and my family to make the right decisions for him.