Thursday, September 27, 2018

Choices

We chose to follow Chance’s choice…he refused all food and water…even ice cubes.  He just wanted to lay outside.  We were very careful to keep a close watch on him and sit with him.  He was telling us that it was time and it was up to us to help him along.

We came to the conclusion that it was hopeless and we wanted him to die as peacefully as possible.  Thanks to a very understanding Vet that was possible…although he required a double dose of sedation…after the first dose we thought he was asleep but I moved toward the door and he woke up and lifted his head as if to say “Where are you going?”  The Vet said “People dogs are very loyal and will fight the sedation to stay awake and keep track of their people.” The second dose had him pain free and in a deep sleep and then other drugs were administered and he just stopped breathing…peacefully and in no visible pain.

We brought him home and buried him in the grave that was dug several years ago (October of 2015).  Far Guy dug it one day when Chance supervised…he was always a bit curious about that spot on the edge of the yard with the wooden cover…like he knew something…Border Collies are pretty smart.  Far Guy was certain Chance would die in the winter and a grave would be impossible to dig…we had five gallon buckets of dirt stored in the woodshop.

Shovel at rest

No matter how hard it is as pet owners we always have to do what is best for our pets and not what is best for us.

We are crying rivers…not because of our choice or Chance’s choice.  We miss the third member of our team…

Thank you for all the kind comments about Chance…he had many friends all over the world…if you are reading this then you were probably one of those wonderful people. Thank you for loving our dog!

Clay imprint from the vets office

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38 comments:

Cathie said...

Your tears are not being shed in vain! Sending you both hugs!

Mac n' Janet said...

My heart goes out to you. You shared your life with a wonderful companion. Keep the memories in your heart.

thecrazysheeplady said...

{{{hug}}}

Moms Musings said...

So sorry. I loved hearing about his adventures. You gave him a wonderful life and he gave you so many happy memories.

linda m said...

Now you have me crying right along with you. I don't think you could have found a more loyal friend. Even tho I never actually met Chance I felt I knew him through your blog. I will miss his "blogs". At least you were able to be with him in the end. Sending you both big hugs!!

Sallysmom said...

I will miss reading when you wrote in his voice. I will miss seeing pics of him. But you & Far Guy understood him best & knew it was time

Pauline Persing said...

I have tears in my eyes. Sending love and hugs.

Granny_J said...

It was so easy to love Chance. His wonderful personality came across in your blog. Sending hugs and prayers for you and Far Guy.

Ardra said...

I stumbled upon your blog quite some time ago and came back to read about your lovely Chance every week. I hugged my three extra hard this morning and whispered to my past furry family to welcome Chance. Praying that your sweet memories will help you through the days and weeks to come.

GramMary said...

So very sorry to hear of Chance's passing. You gave him a good life and he gave you so much love. After the tears come the good memories, and you'll have many.

Anonymous said...

Sitting here crying in a coffee shop. I knew this day would come but dreaded it. My heart breaks for all of you. Take care.

sillygirl said...

You have done a beautiful tribute on both postings of Chance - a loyal friend we all loved.

Tired Teacher said...

These decisions are never easy, but our hearts know when it's time.

Sara said...

It's never easy for us to let go of our loyal and loving pets. But he had a peaceful end and knew he was loved.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your heart break. What a wonderful companion chance was. I can not imagine your grief. You made the right choice no matter the difficulty.

Terry and Linda said...

O! I am crying also! OH! I am so sorry. I know how very hard that time is...Fuzzy went in fall also...the trees cried with me. I am so sorry, although I know you made the right decision. Sigh! Hugs!
Terry, Linda and Boomer

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm glad you had an understanding vet so you could let Chance decide when it was his time to go. I'm sorry for your loss though. I know how hard it is to lose a loyal furry family member. R.I.P. Chance.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for the loss of your furbaby

farm buddy said...

I am so glad you knew when the right time was. I think some people tend to wait too long, as they hate to part from their friend. I agonized over when to put Scout to sleep, as I wanted it done at home, and the vet could only come over on certain days. Also, he never ever lost his appetite. However, I picked a time that was right for him, just as you did with your Chance. It is the very hardest thing to do, but that is a responsibility that a person must take when they have a great dog, as I feel we owe them that.

Karen said...

People say, 'you will know' when it's time'. That is not always true, but our duty is to decide that in the best interests of our dog. I'm glad that you were able to tell with Chance. Dogs that love their food, and then don't want any, that is a pretty good sign. I always thought of Chance and Jake as being of the same age, well they are. Jake had another little 'spell' the other night, not anywhere near as bad as the first one, but still, there is something going on. He was back to normal pretty quickly, but just a reminder to us that he is getting to that age.... and I hope he lets us know when the time comes. To see him at the beach yesterday, he looks like he has another 10 years, but we know that's not to be. The toughest decision we make as a pet owner. Will add this, in case it helps someone else. Our vet would probably come to the house if we asked, but what we have done is take them to the clinic, and the vet comes out and does it right there in the car. The dog is in a familiar place, and we are there with them.

Rita said...

Chance let you know.
He was a member of your team. A member of the family.
It will take a while to adjust to him being missing.
Some critters are just special. He was one.
*love and hugs*

Bonnie said...

We have had to make those difficult decisions. They are made from love. I loved Chance and the stories you shared of him. I cry with you for his loss and I send you my sympathies and love.

Joan said...

Thank you for your ultimate act of love and devotion. The hardest decision to make, but when you love someone, it's the only thing you can do to alleviate pain and suffering. When you lose someone you love, it can seem like everything changes. Life change, you change. But the love and memories are always there. May they bring you comfort and peace.

Val Ewing said...

At least you understood what was coming. I did the same with Morris. The morning he stopped responding to my voice and my touch was when we knew it was time.
I still miss him.
I know your time with Chance was special and he will stay in your heart forever.

goodnightgram said...

Oh my... my heart goes out to both of you. What a dear companion you had for so long. The photo of the shovel says a lot. RIP Chance. And thank you so very much for sharing the soup recipe. I will be making it this weekend.

The Furry Gnome said...

So sorry to hear about Chance. I've enjoyed the glimpses into his life you've given us over the years.

diane in northern wis said...

Thank you Connie and Far Guy, for sharing the things in this post. They help to bring closure for us out here too. You are very special people and Chance was lucky to have you....and you, him. May things get easier day by day. Peace.

Lynda said...

Why am I not surprised you were prepared to have a place for Chance to rest? You are a good planner and this was a great plan! If you had had to deal with the physical job of digging a grave in addition to the emotional loss, it would have been way too much. I remember when our neighbor's dog died years ago - - about the same decline as Chance. The vet is a friend of their son and came to the house after work to help Bear make the transition. Then our neighbor, his son, my husband, and our other neighbor who lives on the other side - - all took their shovels and dug the grave - - crying as they worked. Bear was the size of Chance and had the same great personality. Bear was allowed to visit the close neighbors frequently. He welcomed us home - - and if a strange vehicle showed up, he was on the alert to check out their motives.
I admire your forethought and hope that idea helps someone else.

Country Gal said...

Crying again here . Our pets are a big part of our lives and important members of our families . You both did what was best for Chance and released his spirit with dignity and much love . He will be remembered by us all . xoxo

Linda Reeder said...

I remember writing this kind of post just about two years ago, when we had to let our kitty go. I remember the tears streaming down my face as I typed. I picture you the same way. It's very hard.

Bill Volstad said...

Our dog is a 65 lb mutt at 11 YO. We think he's a rhodesian ridgeback and god knows what else. I watched your journey, and had tears in my eyes. BTW, spent many summers in Park Rapids with my best buddy, Steve Wilson. His dad was involved in the school band system, Dwayne Wilson (back in the '60's). Miss Minnesota. I hope your at peace. Our time is coming to deal with this horrible loss, as he's really slowing down. I wish you the best.Thanks for easing us into the inevitable. Still not looking forward to it

Linda W. said...

It was a difficult decision but you did the right thing for Chance.

Shirley said...

Awwwww..... You did right by him.

DJan said...

Well, I'm sitting here with tears running down my face. I loved Chance too, how could I not? And you always let me know that Chance, the blogging dog, would never die in my heart. Thank you for letting me know how his last moments were. My heart is sore for missing him and for our loss. :-(

Jacqi Stevens said...

I am so sorry about your wonderful furry companion. Hugs and love for both of you! Chance was the best.

Sam I Am...... said...

I am so sad for you and it hit close to home. One day you will get the same blog post from me.The tears are flowing even though I never met Chance....there is a special bond among dog lovers especially those of elder dogs. I really thought Nitty or Annie would go first as your photos always looked so good of Chance...such a handsome guy. Nitty looks 'worse for wear and tear' but she eats good and her systems are working, same with Annie but they're old and stiff like me. The Vetprofin has helped them. I am in shock....you know it's coming someday but you're really never prepared when that day comes. I pray you find peace and comfort in each other and in all the great memories you have of him. Lots of hugs ~ Sam

Dawn said...

Thank you for sharing this. Though I am new to your blog and hadn't read many of your posts before the news of Chance slowing down and then not eating...well...my girl writes blogs too, so I sort of relate that Chance has followers all over the world. So hard to let them go, but you were wonderful to share him with everyone. And thank you for describing what it was like to be there when he went across the bridge. I have tried to imagine that and worried because I've never had to do it. I know when it's time Katie will want me there. It will be less scary because you shared.

Elizabeth said...

Sorry to read of your loss. It is hard. I've had a semi-rough year and just popped over to see what you had been up to. I cried, because since April our Tucker entered hospice. From the beginning of August he start getting really bad. Hardly walking unless coaxed to go outside and potty. Then it was carrying him out, to finally his last two weeks, he mostly pottied himself. I had two sets of bedding that I washed daily if not more. An appointment was made Sept 7th, and even when we pulled into the parking spot, I said I didn't want to be there. I really wasn't ready for him to go, but he sure was. It was similar as you described. I still cry. He was 15.8 years old. Numerous strokes changed his life, but he wasn't complaining, until the end. Many wonderful memories with him, too. Do you plan to get another dog?