I wanted to make this entry short. After several months of debating what was best for my old dog, we finally felt that she was simply not happy anymore with her quality of life. Hard to describe unless you have been put in this situation, but I guess it is one of those things that you "just realize." She was a happy dog that simply loved people, especially kids. She especially loved the outdoors! Heidi and I were talking about how Teega would always lay in the flower bed in front of our house in Georgia, like she was protecting the home front. When she was younger, she was always willing to go on a jog with me. Her favorite past time was water. We bought her a baby pool one time and she was sit in it all the time during the summer! Crazy...she loved the snow too and would gallop through it during the winter. The kids loved her and she loved the kids. Paris would always make sure that she had food, water and a bone.
Taking her to the animal hospital was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do. The following poem was given to me by my grandmother that really made me realize that I needed to think of her more than simply be selfish and keep her going because I didn't have the strength to do what was the right thing for her. We will miss her love and zest for life.
A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness then the loving heart of mine.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no great glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect your life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.
Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
-Author Unknown
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