While my goal is to have a new blog post hit the internet once a week (I felt that would be a reasonable and easily maintainable goal) - life happens. Thus, I wanted to get a second blog done this week.
I have this wonderful couple Dana and Lisa that I pet sit for, the proud parents of the Geriatric crew that I JUST wrote about. Not only are their fur kids amazing, they are amazing humans. I'm not saying that just because they are clients (and could potentially be reading this..)but because they are truly amazing.
It takes a strong person or sometimes a strong couple to have not one, or two but THREE senior pets needing medications, extra vet visits, a higher level of care on the day to day. I strive every day to give my pets the best of the best - whether its treats, food, healthcare, play time, cuddles - they get it. It's draining when you have a sick pet, or one that needs more than just the daily food, water, exercise and play. I've been there and done that (and still do that). So to find other humans who do just as much, care as much, and spend all of their hard earned money on their pets makes me want to keep them in my life. Because pets are absolutely defenseless and rely on us humans to take the best care of them. Generally speaking pet people are better people than non-pet people in my world.
When we bring home a pet the last thing on our mind is when they get older and the care needed changes, routines change, the unexpected happens. We all know, we are never quite ready for life's curveballs - and the pet curveballs are no different. They hurt more - in a way I truly can't explain. Our beloved pets cannot tell us what hurts, how badly, when it started, why they don't feel good, what makes it better, if the medication is helping, why they don't want to eat. We have to be a sleuth to figure it out, try a million and one things to see if there's a change for better or worse.
When I first started pet sitting for the Geriatric boys, it was Marley and Max, occasionally Lucas until he made the move from NJ to PA to his new home. The three of them, with their lovely personalities and needs. Marley - always in his crate on his big comfy bed, Lucas on the couch, and Max laying between the couch and the wall - no way Lucas was getting around him without getting barked or snipped at. Lucas would always stand up, shake his head and look around when he heard my voice.
For my last overnight with them (yes the one I just wrote about) Lucas' parents had just told me he one foot/toe was slightly swollen and irritated. They had been to a specialist and thought it might be bone cancer. Whenever I hear Cancer, it just kills me. My immediate thought was poor guy, hopefully he still has a long long life ahead of him. It sure didn't seem to bother him one bit.
Getting a text this weekend, "give me a call when you have a chance" I thought oh maybe they need a last minute drop in for a meal, or last minute plans have them going out of town and want me to come stay with the boys. Trust me, I would have been there in a heartbeat. There are days when I think, it's not about the money - I am filling a piece of my life with dogs that I have been forbidden to bring home. All of these dogs get treated as if they are my own. What Dana said when I called, crumpled me.
Lucas, the cutest most adorable dog passed peacefully in his sleep Friday night. I cried. Absolutely cried as if it was my dog. I am so glad he passed peacefully in the middle of the night, on the couch with his absolute favorite human Dana. She told me he had been eating and drinking less and less that week and had a vet appointment scheduled for Saturday morning. As sad as it is that he crossed the rainbow bridge, he was fortunate enough to do it peacefully at home.
While I have no words of comfort for his humans, just know all of our hearts are broken., you aren't alone in the grieving. Some days will be hard, some easy, there will be tears, under it all remember the good days. It will get easier over time.
My upcoming overnight visit with the boys will not be the same minus Lucas. Lukey Loo as I called him will be greatly missed.
Till our Tails cross again,
Mel
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