Goodbye Gemma...

Today was the day I've been dreading, knowing it had to come but wanting to put it off for ever. After a thoroughly enjoyable walk yesterday, Gemma woke up this morning in good spirits and enjoyed her breakfast with all her old enthusiasm. But less than two hours later she had another major relapse, shaking uncontrollably and collapsing into lethargy. We took her to the vet, who told us that her illness had damaged her pancreas too severely for there to be any permanent recovery. She could have been placed on a drip again and stabilised, but the relapses would continue and become more frequent. So we made the hardest decision a pet owner ever has to make. I went home and collected the boys and we all spent some time stroking and talking to her before the vet administered the injection. She stirred as the needle went in and looked up at the vet so trustingly and licked his hand - it nearly broke our hearts. We all hugged her until she slipped away. We brought her home and have buried her in her beloved garden, and will plant a shrub over her in due course. She was the best dog a family could have had - none of the boys really remember a time without her. Fortunately Rosie doesn't seem to be too upset and we'll now have to lavish her with love to make up for the loss of her sister.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should 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 to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till 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 to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must 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.

-- Unknown