It has been a difficult day. We put one of our dogs down. His name was Barkley and he was a great dog. He had a variety of problems the least of which was arthritis in his knees and hips that was so painful at times that he could not walk. With the help of pain meds he was able to live comfortably for a few more weeks but, we could not justify his pain any longer. My husband had the awful task of taking him today. I am sure that was no fun. He cried most of the day. I got the task of explaning it to the girls. They took it well. No tears shed yet. The one hit the hardest about the whole thing will be his adopted brother Beau. He keeps walking around looking for him and sitting really close to us.
It is funny how I strive to make people and animals around me better - despite the pain and frustration down the long road to recovery through rehab. I felt like I should do that with Barkley initially but, thankfully did not have to wait for God to take him.
I have never put a dog down before. You feel like you lost a member of the family. I am glad to know that he is running that silly run of his in heaven with all the food he can stand forever.
Bye, Bye Barkley. I will love you forever.
