The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age
    CVille Dem's picture

    For the first time in 24 years, I don't have to hurry home...or RIP sweet Skarlett

    By CVille Dem on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 10:45pm |
    I am going on a trip next week, and my sons are going to be gone also, so for the first time ever, I planned to board my sweet dog, Skarlett at the Vet's. I took her there to get advice about what would be the best plan for her, and (considering her age -- 15!) we planned all kinds of accommodations for her (extra-large kennel, extra walks, and home-cooked meals from me). I was reassured when Skarlett seemed to relax when I was talking to the vet, and I thought it was going to work out. A week later, (2 nights ago), she had trouble coming upstairs, but kept crying because I WAS UPSTAIRS and she could not stand to be apart from me. I helped her, but was alarmed at her respirations, which were labored, and wet-sounding. I gave her a double dose of sedatives that the vet had just given me, but she had a really tough night. Next morning, every time she tried to get up she collapsed. I wanted to, but was afraid to help her, because she has had such painful arthritis that I thought she would cry when I tried to help her get downstairs. She seemed to know what was happening, and she seemed to want to help ME! I somehow got her down the stairway, and noted that her breathing was not as labored, but was also less frequent. I could feel her body temperature get colder. She had two sort-of attempts at breathing (no air intake) and that was it. I tried to close her cataract- opaque eyes, but she would not cooperate. I got her into my car and took her to the Vet for cremation. I rescued Skarlett days before I had cancer surgery. She rescued me just because she loved me so much.

    Comments

    I would reckon Skarlett had a great time with you and your family, Cville.   A dog can't ask for anything better than to have a good pack to run with.


    by wabby on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 11:32pm

    Amen


    by Flavius on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 8:30am

    This was so painful to read that I had to put off responding for a day!!

    If you want a true friend, get a dog! ha


    by Richard Day on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 4:38pm

    Second this (especially about it being painful to read), except to say that some cats can be quite loyal, too.

    If you don't mind me asking, CVille, what vet do you use? (You seem happy with them.)


    by Verified Atheist on Sun, 03/06/2011 - 10:13am

    Thanks, Flower, Flavius and Dick.  She really was a special girl.  I kept her name from the pound where I got her because it suited her, but a better name for her would have been "Velcro."  She had to be near me whenever I was at home.


    by CVille Dem on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 5:58pm

    Aw, C'ville.  I am so sorry.  What a loving tribute to a sweet and loyal friend.  You were with her at the end and that had to be comforting for both of you. 

    Such a tender time.  Fifteen years and it wasn't nearly long enough.  What a gal, that Skarlett.


    by Ramona on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 8:40pm

    Thanks, Ramona.  She definitely had a good life, and she enriched mine as well.


    by CVille Dem on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 9:12pm

    I'm so sorry C'Ville. I know from very personal experience what you are going through, and could barely read through my tears. 

    Thank you for rescuing her! She was a fortunate pup, and it sounds like she rewarded you for your efforts! There is so much we could learn from our canine pals about unconditional love.


    by stillidealistic on Sun, 03/06/2011 - 3:48pm

    HI YA STILLI!!


    by Richard Day on Sun, 03/06/2011 - 4:37pm

    {{{{HUGS}}}}

     


    by LisB on Sun, 03/06/2011 - 5:36pm