Dog Dad

Is It Time

Sally and Gary, Gary and Sally. The two go hand in hand. Sally is a 17-year-old Jack Russell, who my husband Gary has had since she was six weeks old. She has outlived most of her generation. It’s hard watching a dog age. At 17 Sally is not herself, she stumbles and falls. Her back end is going down. Why do dogs age so rapidly? Gary and I both wish they could live to a hundred.

It's Hard to Watch

Sally stands in corners now and stares. She wanders aimlessly with no direction in mind. She used to bark every night at about the same time. Now the house is silent, her bark is no longer with us. Most of the time she seems and looks like she is miserable. 

She is Gary’s dog, so he makes all decisions regarding her. He has called the vet, and we have an appointment to put her to sleep forever. She will join multiple dogs who we know waiting for her in heaven. She will be in good company. 

I’m not sure it will be happening because Gary wants to see what she acts like in the morning. She may have improved. She drank water tonight, but she hasn’t eaten all day. It is inevitably something we will have to face sooner or later. Having been through it twice myself, I know Gary is going to have a rough time. She is his little girl. 

Where Did the Time Go

In the blink of an eye, they go from a pup to 17 years old. We take all those years for granted because they are by our side. We do not think about the end of their life. Until it smacks us in the face. 

It's No Good

There are no words, there is nothing anyone can say to make it better. The loss of a dog is so devastating and final. To cease breathing ourselves is the only way to end the misery placed upon us. Crying becomes commonplace. We start the day in tears, a house without a dog is an empty house. Their presence is felt but they are no longer with us. We go to bed with that same empty feeling. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day, most likely not. Nor the day after that or the day after that. 

It's Something You Never Get Over

Grieving periods depend on the person. Sally has lived a full life. That doesn’t make it any easier when she’s gone and not coming back. She was a hunter in her youth. She remained the same throughout her years. We’ve had many dead baby birds who have met their fate with Sally. Robins are not safe having a nest in our yard with Sally on duty. She seemed to know when they would have babies and would sit under the tree for hours waiting for one to try and fly out of the nest. Jack Russell’s are hunting dogs and Sally was one of the best. What she didn’t have in size, she made up with attitude. She is small in stature but huge with attitude. She was fast on her feet, even if her legs were a little short.

Through The Ages

She doesn't like kids or other dogs. She definitely is a one-person dog. Gary is hers. She let us all know it. She is a little shit. But, as Gary says, she is his little shit. He forgave her anything. In his eyes she could do no wrong. I’m guessing that is how it should be.  Their love affair lasted through the ages. Through peaks and valleys, rain or shine Gary and Sally endured.

No Bigger Loss

Such a loss for Gary will be catastrophic. He doesn’t realize this yet as she is still with us. His heart will be broken, his light will no longer shine. Another one of God's own getting her wings. Sally will find the peace she’s been seeking. Leaving behind a wake of devastation and heartbreak that never heals. Here’s hoping tomorrow will bring a miracle. 

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Sally, Gary’s forever “little girl.”

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Sidenote: Sally was a dfferent dog the following day. Ears perked, eating and drinking, so fortunately she is still with us. Long live the Queen.

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