The Gift of Goodbye.

Today we had to say goodbye to our little friend Tia. She was in her 14th year and she had been with my husband David and me for 12 of those years. I always felt she was very happy to have a family of her own.

She had been intermittently unwell for the past couple of months. Our vet, Dr.Zinderman, had prescribed medication that we hoped would help. Sadly it did not. Last week she took a dramatic turn for the worst. Her blood work showed that things were not good.  Dr. Z recommended an ultrasound and x-ray to see what was wrong.

When we got the call to come in and discuss the results of the diagnostic imaging yesterday, we knew it would not be good. David and I had already decided that at the age of 14 any kind of serious surgery would not be what we would choose. Dr. Z told us there was a large tumor in her adrenal gland and that surgery to remove it would be very difficult.

We said no. We told Dr. Z we would not put her though that. From there we arranged to take her home for a last night together and then bring her in today to send her on. 

It is not easy to say goodbye. Now when I see other people out walking their dogs in the neighborhood it will be hard. But harder for David. Tia went everywhere with him. He will look at the passenger seat in his truck and it will be empty. He will not have his little companion to take naps with at the horse shows. All the other dog owners who he got to know in the neighborhood will still be out walking and talking to each other. They will still be in that country of dog owners and dog walkers. David has lost his passport to that country. His Tia has gone on.

When we told Dr. Z we did not want to put her through surgery he smiled and said:  “That is the gift you can give her.”

That is the gift of goodbye. 


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39 responses to “The Gift of Goodbye.”

  1. Gayle Jorgenson Avatar

    I’m so sorry you had to go through that. 😥
    I feel an echo of your pain, because I had to watch my 2 dogs die years ago.
    The only small comfort I can offer you is this: it may take a long time, but for me, eventually the sad memories faded and the happy memories grew stronger.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Gayle. It will take some time to let go of the sadness but I am sure we will get another little dog. It is up to my husband to decide when as he is the main dog person and was closest to Tia. I appreciate your comment and sympathy.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. cigarman501 Avatar

    It was hard to hit like. I feel your pain. We have two fourteen-year-old Blue Heelers who are beginning to slow down greatly due to age-related issues. There will be decisions to make sooner than we would wish. My thoughts and love.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      thank you so much for this sympathetic comment. I still expect to see little Tia when I come to the door. My husband has been hit harder than me as they were inseparable. But…when we were at the horse show on the weekend he befriended a little Jack Russell and I think we will be getting another dog once we get home to Canada. Perhaps in the summer. They do not live long enough and we get our hearts broken but I think it is worth it. thanks again for your comment.

      Like

  3. Photography Journal Blog Avatar

    I’m sorry for your loss, this is a lovely tribute post.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Sascha Darlington Avatar

    I am so sorry for you and David. I know this feeling too well. Hugs to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Gavin & Wyatt Avatar

    I am sorry to hear of your sadness. Your friend had a lovely life with you all. You gave her a loving goodbye. Her spirit will live on in your memory. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. JD Avatar

    Oh Anne, deepest condolences to you and David. Tia was a beautiful girl.—Julie

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Yelling Rosa Avatar

    Sorry for your loss.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Jeff Rab Avatar

    Sorry for your loss, Anne. You are an animal lover, but even more so, a lover of your family! May both your animal and people family be comforted.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Jeff.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. starboundeq Avatar

    So sorry for you! I lost ‘The Best Dog Ever’in April. Its never easy. I already have 3 more cuties, but no one could ever replace Jagger. I still miss him everyday. Hugs to you and David.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. whippetwisdom Avatar

    We are so sorry for your loss dear Anne and under the circumstances the gift of goodbye is the greatest gift of love. David hasn’t lost his passport to the country of dogwalkers. I know many people who’ll still join the dog walk to stay fit, enjoy the conversations and get their ‘doggy fix’ by patting their dog’s pals after their own dog has passed away. It’s a loving community and everyone understands. I hope David will join them again for a walk when he is ready. A big hug and much love to you both from all of us here 💞💜💞 xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you Xenia
      He has already said he will be put walking even without Tia.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Tessa Avatar

    So sorry for your loss. God bless you all!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Integrity Training Avatar

    This is so tough to endure..Prayers for you and your Husband. We all know the dog had the best life ever seeing how you treat Biasini xo

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I'm Just Horsing Around Avatar

    So sorry for your loss. They really do become an important family member. It was a selfless gift to do what was best for her. She was lucky to have you to love her. Take care 🤗

    Like

  14. Irene Avatar

    So sorry for your loss, Anne. That is extremely difficult but you made the right decision for her.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Mark Tulin Avatar

    A beautiful story of love and compassion, Anne.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. popsiclesociety Avatar

    I’m so sorry! Words cannot describe the loss of such a beautiful soul 🐶 💕

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Robyn Avatar

    I’m so sorry, Anne. Thinking of you

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Katrin Avatar

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family peace

    Liked by 1 person

  19. sandyjwhite Avatar

    So sorry for the loss of your special family companion, Anne. Hugs to you.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. settleinelpaso Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a companion is heartbreaking.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. susiesopinions Avatar

    My heart goes out to you ❤🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  22. taralynn1973 Avatar
    taralynn1973

    So sorry for your loss… it’s so heart breaking when a pet passes❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  23. allysnotebook Avatar

    I am very sorry for your loss. May Tia Rest In Peace x

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Austen Avatar

    I am so sorry. That loss is one of the hardest. You have my sympathy

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Paula Light Avatar

    It’s a kindness not to put a beloved older pet through major surgery imo. Tears and hugs for your loss. 😢💖

    Liked by 1 person

  26. dprastka Avatar

    Awe, brings tears to my eyes as I have loved and lost many furry friends over the years. You both gave her the greatest gift goodbye. Sending hugs to you and your hubby, a great loss for sure and what a beautiful gal. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Cyranny Avatar

    Oh, Anne, I am so sorry to read this… I’m sending warm hugs to you and David from Freezingland!! Although Dr Z is absolutely right, it is a terribly hard thing to take a decision like this, no matter how old our furry friends are… And after 12 years around the two of you, I can only imagine the loss you’ll feel in all of your everyday activities… Especially if she followed David everywhere. *big hugs*

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Lys Avatar
    Lys

    Sending you love and hugs at this very difficult time. You did the kindest thing for your darling little Tia x x x x

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Laura Wodar Avatar
    Laura Wodar

    There is nothing harder….she was gorgeous! What a special tribute to her. Run In Peace sweet girl!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Robert Parker Avatar

    Anne – I’ve known a couple of miniature schnauzers, and both were full of vim and curiosity, and were smart as a whip. I am very sorry for your loss, RPT

    Liked by 1 person

  31. DizzytheDonkey Avatar

    I am so sorry for your loss Anne. We lost our dog last year, and I still find it hard seeing other people walking their doggies. 😦 He obviously had such as amazing life with you though, and that is the greatest gift you could ever give. 🙂 xxx

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Savita Brewing’s Mom, Andrea Avatar

    We had to say good by to our sweet kitty yesterday. It was sudden. He had hidden his cancer from us until it aggressively took his eyes. It was, and still is, a hard thing to do, but he knew he was loved.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. kunstkitchen Avatar

    So sorry to hear about your pretty Ti. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a beloved dog.

    Like

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