- to play with her ball ( roll it down the stairs and then fetch it)
- food of any kind
- clothes baskets
- sunflower seeds
- most kids
- baths
- getting brushed
- getting her nails clipped
So we did.
She continued to help me in the garden on days that weren't too hot for her...she spent her evenings on the couch watching television with me...and played with her ball like she was still a young pup...her appetite was good, so of course we spoiled her!
By then end of August I knew her time was getting shorter, she was panting alot,
They took my daughter and I ( and Ruffie) into a private room and the receptionist told us about loosing her dog to cancer a few months before, she understood what we were going through, and that was a comfort.
Then we were left alone for a few minutes (to cry...I made good use of my time). Dr. Harrison came in carrying Ruffie's blanket, and laid it on the floor. He explained that he would give her a needle to make her drowsie...before leaving the room he gave us a bowl of treats for her...which she loved!
Within a few minutes she layed down on her blanket and closed her eyes...I layed down beside her, petting her and talking to her for about 5 minutes.
When the doctor returned he explained the final step and was very thoughtful in telling me I had made the decision at the right time....too may people hold on for too long. (He passed the box of kleenex) and gave Ruffie the second injection.
At 2:25 pm, my best friend was gone...the one who was content to follow me anywhere..the one who loved me no matter what I did...the one who was excited to see me come home whether I was gone all day or only half an hour..the one who thought I was the greatest person in the world.
The doctor stayed with us for a few more minutes, then left, telling us to take our time.
Ruffie was wrapped in her blanket and taken to the car...by the time we left I had stopped crying.
My previous experiences with euthenasia were quite different, it was very sudden, and the staff were very uncomfortable with tears. But here we were given a chance to say goodbye... and the loving care given by the doctors and the staff of the East River Animal Hospital helped to ease our loss. I can't imagine how I would have gotten through that day without their support. They treat your pet like family, as their motto says.
