Sport

I chose to put my beloved dog "Sport" to sleep today. Sport had been my constant companion since 1982. He was with me through High School, College, failed relationships (which caused heartbreak!) and the death of my father.

Sport's body had failed him. He could no longer see or hear. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to lie down, get up and walk. The last few days of his life I carried him outside so he could do his business, then I would carry him into the room I was going to be in so we could be together.

When the vet gave Sport the injection to euthanize him, he stopped breathing and appeared to have passed on. I cradled Sport in my arms and cried, all of a sudden, his side moved - I told the vet that my dog was still breathing but was told it was a common involuntary reflex. But the breathing continued on and became stronger. My vet listened to Sport's heart and said that yes, he WAS still alive. What torture for me! The vet couldn't understand what had happened. He had given my 35 lb. dog enough of the drug to put a 60 lb. dog to sleep, yet all it had done to Sport was put him in a deep drugged sleep. I felt horrible and guilty. My dog was holding on, he didn't want to die!! Yet here I was having him put to sleep. The vet gave my precious baby more of the lethal drug and it was this second injection that finally killed him.

As I sit here and write this I am miserable and in shock. I can't believe my constant side-kick of over 18 years has all of a sudden left me. What am I to do now? What will I do without him?

Dear Sport, I love you so, please understand that I did what I thought was best for you.

Love,
Deirdre