Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Passing of a Friend


Today was supposed to be one of anticipation and fun, but instead, we had a sad ending. Old Clairesse, my strange-o standard poodle, developed gastric dilatation/torsion syndrome and was bad enough that I had to euthanize her. I pretty much knew the jig was up when I saw her inflated belly after I woke up from my little afternoon nap. I had not noticed that before I laid down. Not many things can cause that so quickly. Anyway, a quick trip to the clinic and a few x-rays and a gastric lavage later, we just couldn't get the twist out enough to relieve it. The surgery to correct it is not only pretty intense, but there are often cardiac arrhythmias and such that follow and often the dogs have trouble for the rest of their lives. Clairesse was old and weird and scared of most things, so I thought it was kindest for her ( and the rest of us) to just end it for her so she wouldn't hurt.

Even though she was freaky, she was still quite lovable in her own way once you got to know her.
We will certainly miss her.

3 comments:

Bev said...

Oh, I'm so sorry...
Godspeed to her.

Betty said...

I am so very sorry to hear about Clairesse. We have lost three of our rescues and I know your heart hurts so much. I found this poem several years ago; I love it because it gives me hope that we will see our precious little friends once more.

My best friend closed her eyes last night, As hher head lay in my hand. The doctor said she was in pain, And it was hard for her to stand. The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I cradled her in my arms, Were of her younger years, And, oh her many charms. Today there was no gentle nudge, With an intense "I love you" gaze. Only a heart that's filled with tears, Remembering our joy-filled days. But an Angel just appeared to me, And said, "You should cry no more, God also loves our canine friends, He's installed a doggy door!" -Author Unknown

God bless.

Anonymous said...

My heart just sank when I saw this. Clairesse was such a sweet, special dog. :-(