Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A very sad day

I put my elderly vizsla Marko to sleep this morning. His ongoing wobbliness progressed suddenly to partial paralysis of his hind end, starting yesterday after work. I spent the whole night snuggled up to him, saying goodbye, because I was pretty sure the prognosis wasn't going to be good. And it wasn't. The vet was just wonderful about the whole thing. I was such a wreck.

Marko was in the habit of bringing me a shoe every morning. He brought me a hiking boot this morning despite hardly being able to walk. I guess one positive is that he was still himself, and not in pain, right up to the end.

He was almost thirteen years old. I'd had him since he was a puppy.

13 comments:

Jana said...

Oh no. So so sorry to hear that, Courtney. He had a very good life.

Sarah said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Very sad indeed.

beth666ann said...

I'm so sorry, Courtney--I know how hard it is. You gave him many, many happy years and took excellent care of him.

Anonymous said...

We've all been there and can definitely shed some sympathetic tears. Take care of you and the other wonderful animals in your life and let them help you to heal.

CaitStClair said...

I'm so sorry. Losing your dog can be devastating. It sounds like he couldn't have asked for a better life though.

Erica said...

I'm so sorry, Courtney. He lived a great life with many adventures. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. Hang in there-

KD said...

I'm sorry for your loss.

Suzie said...

Really sad to hear that - hope you're ok.

jacksonsgrrl said...

Courtney,
OHHHH....I am so sorry! Words really can't help you much right now I am sure... But, since my dog is 15 and I've had her since she was 6 wks old, I can relate. My best friend. The hole when she leaves I do not want to think about. Just get through each day and try to remember the terrific times you had together and don't forget--he had a great mama I am sure! Lucky dog! I know we see them again and he will be watching over you now, you have your own personal angel. I know I may have commented only maybe once before, but you are on my roll, and I do read---just not a hugh commenter I guess...
Keep your chin up!
--Mindy

halfpassgirl said...

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I had a rough two days but am feeling better today.

Anonymous said...

I will never understand why dogs have such short lives. My dog Copper (a vizsla mix, we think - she was adopted from the pound) turns 12 this month. She seems to be going strong, but we know that we have certainly have less time left with her than we would like. I am so sorry about your boy.

Flying Lily said...

I'm so sorry about Marko. He is free of all pain and trouble now. Hope you are doing OK.

Leah Fry said...

Sorry for your loss, but glad you had the chance to say your goodbyes and make his passing sweet for him.

It always is a wonder to me how many times in life I have had to face it, but it never stops me from falling in love again. The years of love we receive from them is worth the relatively little bit of pain at the end.