Stiff Knees
Well-Known Member
I'm new to the forum, so few of you know me, but I feel kindred spirits and wanted to share (not usually my thing but here goes). This is a (probably badly written) tribute to Spot, our inspirational, loving, naughty but amazing black Labrador. Spot's health took a turn for the worse on Monday so on Tuesday morning we made the heartbreaking decision to let her go. She was almost 17 years old and until 6 months ago was coping really well with terrible arthritis in both front paws and a wobblesome back end. But all of a sudden the pain relief just wasn't working and despite trying many different combinations she was having more bad days than good. On Monday, following what had been a really positive weekend, she just crumbled in front of our eyes and our hearts broke. She came to us 8 years ago, hugely overweight and with any number of medical issues, but she quickly lost the weight with a good diet and exercise and she overcame her issues, her positivity was infectious, and she fixed me too, being a little bit broken myself at that time. When OH brought her home (initially on the basis of a short holiday stay) I was determined she would not be staying long term, as he walked down the drive with her i remember thinking there was no way I would allow her to stay, we didn't need the expense or the hassle, within 15 seconds of her walking through the door i had completely fallen in love with her and literally begged him to talk her owners into handing her over to us. Fortunately they agreed and so we shared the most amazing years, we made sure she lived her best life, and she loved us back, enthusiastically, even into old age. Her going has left me completely bereft, the pain is a physical one, I was so certain we were doing the right thing, but those feelings have now been overtaken with feelings of doubt, that we could have fought harder for her, that we could have allowed her more time, that we really could have managed to carry her around, despite her weighing 29kgs and OH having recently undergone back surgery. I have never had these feelings before when in this position. She was still eating well and maintaining her weight but what Labrador has a problem with their appetite? I think had she not looked so well, I'd feel more justified that we made the right decision, but to Spot, who was the proverbial bull in a china shop (and would go through an object rather than around it) the much decreased level of mobility, and inevitable separation from family that would lead to, would have just been too much for her mentally. You see, when I think about this rationally, I know we did the right thing, but I just want her back ðŸ˜â¤ï¸. To Spot, you changed my life for the better, you made me laugh out loud every single day, you were an amazing buddy to Jake and Boo, you were the matriarch of our little family, you were a dangerous trip hazard (always laying directly behind me wherever I was standing), you were a stress head who hated bleeps, you loved wine gums and chewed all your food at least 30 times, and always fell asleep under the shower. I will never, ever forget you. To those of you who have read this far, thank you for taking the time. I wish you could have known her, you would have loved her too.
