This week was a humdinger, to say the least. It started out like any other week really, with school, karate, and Cub Scouts on Monday. This was the first pack meeting that we were able to attend this year, and it was a lot of fun. I think we are in for a great year of scouting! By Tuesday morning, I was making a call to Riley's vet to make an appointment to have him euthanized. He is 14 1/2 years old now, and in the past 6 months his health and well-being have failed quite a bit. Over the past couple of weeks I had talked with the vet a few times, trying to decide what was best for ol' Riley. Such a hard thing to have to think about, but I also don't want to make the mistake of having him suffer. By Wednesday morning, I was driving down the vet clinic to cancel the Thursday appointment. By lunchtime on Wednesday I had called back and rescheduled it. I was pretty much a wreck. Whenever there weren't children in sight that day, I would get all choked up at the thought of Riley not being here. So Thursday came, and Steve took the morning off to offer some moral support. He took the boys to school and at 9 a.m., the vet and one of his technicians showed up. I could tell almost as soon as they came in that they were thinking maybe it wasn't such a good idea. I just love our vet - - I am so thankful for his wisdom and for how deeply he cares for animals, but also for their people. He decided to draw some blood and run some labs to see how Riley's liver function was, among other things, and we talked about a new schedule of medication that will allow Riley to sleep better at night and be more comfortable during the day. Riley still eats really well, so that isn't an issue for him.
I have to admit, when the vet said he didn't think euthanizing him was a good idea after looking him over, I felt like an awful dog mom! I struggle so with not wanting to be selfish (keeping Riley around because I don't want to let him go) and doing what is best for him. So, now Riley and I have a new lease on life. I don't know how long Riley has left, but I am going to make sure that it is high on quality. I sure love that pup, and I'm so thankful that we get to spend more time together.
7 comments:
Oh Heather! I'm so glad that you and Riley have more time together!
So glad for extra time for Riley!!! Hugs to you!
I was so glad when I got your note that Riley had been spared. You will enjoy your extra time with him all the more.
The most helpful piece of advice that I received about when it was time, was that my dog and I would come to that place together. My vet also told me that when my dog no longer cared where I was in the house or what I was doing, that it was time. Very helpful guidance across the board!
I meant to also write - GOOD LUCK and just love him up, which I am sure you will do!
So glad this week turned out much better than planned! Riley's such a good boy and he's lucky to be part of your family.
That's good news, Heather. And trust me, as a veterinarian, I can tell you that there isn't a vet on the planet who doesn't want to be able to tell an owner "No, it's not time yet". Usually it's the other way around, with people hanging on way too long - which is natural, we all hate to say goodbye, even when it really is time. So glad Riley has some time left in him :)
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