First, let me say, it's not just dogs...
I was at the vet with my cat Simon yesterday for the third time in as many months. When I took him in for a well-check in January, I found out that he has chronic kidney disease (which is common in older cats) that will eventually be fatal. I was told that he could live with it for a few months to several years.
Anybody who has ever had a pet knows the value of their companionship. That has been especially true in the last year as we deal with the COVID pandemic. While a cat or dog isn't a substitute for human connection, they are far better at some things than many humans. They show unconditional, non-judgmental acceptance. They're great listeners and trustworthy confidants. This makes it all the more difficult when a pet is sick.
As I waited in the parking lot at the vet for my appointment (customers can't go inside because of COVID), I saw a number of families drop off and pick up their dogs and cats. I was fascinated at how well some of the animals matched their owners. I wondered why each person was there - some likely just getting a vaccine or a physical exam. At one point, though, a family of four came out - a mom, dad, and a teenaged son and daughter. They came out of the clinic without an animal and I watched as the mom wiped tears from her eyes. The only time humans are allowed inside right now is when a pet is being euthanized. I wondered what family member they had just lost. Maybe the dog that the kids got as a puppy and grew up with? I remembered losing my family's black lab, Onyx.
I wish our pets could outlive us to spare the grief we feel each time this happens. I suppose it would only be selfish to ask our pets to maintain that level of loyalty for longer than they already do.
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| The Day I Brought Simon Home |
I adopted Simon from the Humane Society the day after Thanksgiving in 2014. According to his microchip, he was already six years old when he was found as a stray. I've always wondered what the first six years of his life were like and what happened to his first owner(s).
When I went inside the Humane Society, Simon immediately caught our attention because of his playfulness and personality. I've always said that he acts more like a dog than a cat. I taught him how to give me a high five to get a treat. He often greets me at the front door with a meow when I come home from work. He loves to get into cabinets and chew on things he shouldn't (mostly plastic bags for some reason).
In the last week, Simon's health declined. He stopped eating for a few days and I wasn't seeing his playful, curious personality.
While I waited in my car last night, the doctor finally came out and told me that Simon's kidneys are failing and it's time to consider letting him go.
Today was my last day with Simon. When we got home last night, I spoiled him with a bunch of treats and a bowl of milk. He slept next to me last night, as usual. He ate some food this morning and sat with me on the couch. This afternoon, I could tell he was in pain. It was clear that I needed to say goodbye.
Every time he would perk up or do something that reminded me of his usual self, I couldn't help but second guess myself. I got to hold him in the clinic, though, as I watched him pass peacefully. It truly was peaceful as I felt sadness and relief for him at the same time.
I'll miss coming home to him every day but I am forever thankful that I found him before somebody else did on that day in November.
I love you Simon.
