It's never easy to lose a faithful friend
Some years ago, my family and I went to the local pound and picked up a puppy. He turned out to be about 3 times the size we thought he would be. "Killer" was an extremely happy and friendly dog. But being as big as he was, he developed hip displaisa, kind of like arthritis in humans. He didn't move much in winter time, as his joints hurt too bad.
This week, I have been moving my family out of the poor conditions they were in, and into an apartment in my complex so we could be together again. We can't afford a house yet, and I have accumulated too much stuff to fit into a two bedroom apartment with my family. So, they are in one apartment, and I am right across the complex, about 20 seconds away. We brought Killer and Hotrod in to the apartment last night, and they got to stay. Hotrod is snuck in under the lease because he is a very small toy poodle, but Killer was a horse next to him. The landlord found out about Killer and our hand was forced. A little over an hour ago, we put Killer down. I like what the hospital put on my invoice:
"Do not grieve for your pets passting, but rejoice in the happiness they brought you while you were together."
All good dogs go to heaven, and hopefully I was as good of a person as Killer thought I was. I'll see you again, friend.
5/7 UPDATE:
A friend and shipmate sent me this:
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain does keep me from my sleep,
then will you do what must be done
for this—the last battle—can't be won.
You will be sad; I understand
but don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years;
you wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must now be you
who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close—we two—these years,
don’t let your heart hold any tears.