My Clare

She was a beautiful golden retriever. Only 10 years old, short in my count of retriever years She was my daily companion who stuck to me like we were joined at the hip. She grew sick rapidly, first limping, the dragging her hind legs then losing her mobility except for her determined efforts to get outside. It was unthinkable for her to mess the house and she would manage to get out the door do her business and then lie on the ground having expended all her energy. This was awful to see. All along I think she was having pain that I didn't fully recognize. Once I figured this out I began a pain management program for her with my vet. I stayed up nights when she was panting or in the least bit of pain. Holding her made her less anxious. I couldn't bear see her in pain and unsettled. It took me 3 days to come to grips with needing to put her to sleep. I couldn't do it any earlier, I thought if I would take good care of her she would get better.
She didn't get better, she was either sleeping because of the pain meds or awake and anxious. No way to live. She died on November 11th peacefully under the anesthetic given by the vet. My boys (18 yrs old twins) dug her a fitting grave in our large yard, one of them sobbing with me over her. She rests near 2 of our precious dogs who were losses a few years ago. We have many years with her to be thankful for and will never forget her, our girl. Thanks for reading about my Clare.