Tango put up a brave fight against degenerative myelopathy for almost 2 years. Last week everything changed. Wednesday morning she woke up with almost complete paralysis from mid back down, partial paralysis in her front legs and unable to lift her head without crying out in pain. We took her to the Chiropractor that morning and she said that her neck was a mess. It gave us some hope that maybe this was only temporary. We soon realized that this wasn’t temporary and it wasn’t going to get any better. Although our hearts were shattered we knew what we needed to do out of love and respect for our girl. We said goodbye to her Saturday morning. Before we left for the Vet I lied on the floor with her. She looked at me with those big brown eyes and licked the tears off my face.
Goodbye my beautiful girl. I’m sure that Tasha and Ming were there to greet you and Grandma’s lap and warm hand are there to stroke and comfort you. You are now free to run like the wind again with your favourite orange ball in your mouth. Until we meet again…….
We got a thoughtful email from a friend with the perfect poem:
“If it should be”
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and the pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the battle, cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand
Do not let the grief then stay in your hand,
For this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You would not want me to suffer so;
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend
And stay with me, if you can, to the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time, you will see,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last was waved
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who must decide this thing to do,
We have been so close, we two, these years;
Do not let your heart hold any tears.
Smile, for we walked together for a little while. ”
——Unknown Author ——
My deepest condolences. Love those ears.
Don’t Grieve too long for now I’m free. I’m following the path God set for me. I ran to Him when I heard His call, I wagged my tail and left it all. I could not stay another day, to bark, to love, or romp or play. Games left unplayed must stay that way.I found such peace, it made my day.
My parting has left such a void, so fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I shall miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, you’ve given so much, your time, your love and tender touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, please don’t lengthen it with your grief
Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me today, He set me free
Author Unknown…..
about sums it up, I’ve lost so many in the past and they are all up there romping in Heaven Free of all pain, puppies again…..hugs to you and Don xoxoxoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a lovely poem. It’s so hard when we have to make that tough decision. Sending you hugs.
I am so very sorry for your loss. DM is a terrible disease!
**tears** I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my German Shepherd when I was 12, and so was she. We send tons of prayers from all the little Tzus here. We know that Tango is happily waiting for you at the bridge.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl to DM, we have that nasty disease in our breed the chesapeakes also. I lost my dear Norman to cancer one year ago tomorrow. I hope your sorrow gets better in time. Hold her close in your heart and she will be with you forever. Peace
Your post made me tear up…I am so sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts your way, and up to Tango over the Rainbow Bridge ❤ Rest in peace, sweet girl.
It’s never an easy call to make. Even when you know you’re doing the right thing it tears you apart. I’m sorry for your loss. I hope the pain dulls soon (it never goes away completely, does it?) and you are able to remember the better times with more smiles than tears. Sorry for your loss.
P.S. I love the wonky easr picture!
I’m so sorry. Losing a poochie pal is the worst. What lovely photos to look back on and remember. My heart goes out to you.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful dog.
It is never easy to let a beloved friend (pet) go but it is done so they will not suffer any longer. Tango was and is a beautiful girl. Just looking at those eyes that looked into your heart and soul is almost overwhelming. My heartfelt condolences on your family’s loss. We have a faithful shepherd/pit bull mix, Sugar nearing nine years. As she grows older, we feel uncertainty lurking. We show all our love for her because she is like our child. Sugar loves my husband without any reserve and stood by him so devoted during a recent illness. When I took him to the hospital, we did not know he would be admitted into ICU for five days. When I returned from the hospital without my husband, Sugar would not eat for several days and stand at the window to watch for him. Once he returned, she was so overjoyed and couldn’t contain her happiness. Guests would tear up just watching her keep watch over his every move. She would check on him constantly while he slept and watched his every breath. We are truly blessed with Sugar, our God sent four-legged, perky-pointed eared angel and companion.
I am so very sorry for you loss. She was such a beauty and I’m glad that you were able to lay with her one last time to let her know how much she was loved.