Death And Dying Support, the peaceful passing of an old dog Options

[artchick]

In March of this year I found this website after our dog Max had passed. I shared the story of his life and his passing and eventually told the tale of our New Old dog, Moses. Moses came from a program in Baltimore MD called Recycled Love. He was either found on the streets or was taken to the Baltimore City Animal Rescue where life looked bleek. Moses was at least 15 years old and was blind in one eye and deaf, he eventually went totally blind. Sally who is the founder of Recycled Love (a program that removes animals from high kill shelters and places them in permanent or foster homes, especially older animals) fell in love with this sweet and gentle creature and removed him hours before he was scheduled to be euthanized. So much synchronicity lead us to finding Moses. I beleive with all of my heart that Max brought us together. He knew we both needed each other. Our family lives in Harrisburg Pa and Moses was in Baltimore MD. We found his information via petfinder.com. (Moses actually end up becoming the Recyceld Love mascot as he embodied the true meaning of the organization so beautifully).

I instantly fell in love with this beautiful boy. When I first held him, his small body lay across my heart and I could feel the pain and sadness from loosing Max start to melt away. We felt connected. Moses was a small terrier mix as was Max. Although Moses was blind and deaf, he accepted his life as if nothing were out of the ordinairy. His tail wagged all the time and never growled or acted aggressive. In many ways his sweet disposition reminded me of and older Tibetan monk that I had the privelege of getting to know when they made a sand madala at a Buddhist Center in our area. He was pure love every second he was with us. We were blessed to have been his forever home. I grew so much as a person from being able to care for him and observe his peaceful and accepting life. He taught me to slow down and just Be...to be in the flow of Life.

Yesterday I had the privelege of spending the day with him while he prepared to become pure spirit. His health had been deteriorating for a few weeks possibly due to a stroke. On Friday he ate his last meal and took his last drink on Monday. I continued to get his speacial diet ready and tried to hand feed him and give him water from a spoon. By Monday night I knew I had to respectfully honor his wishes to not receive any more nourisment for his physical body. I wrapped him in my shirt as he relied on his sense of smell heavilly and I thought it might comfort him. I sat with him in the sun and held him in the full moon light on Monday. I still continued to give him water to wet his mouth from a Q-tip. I took the day off work and we spent all of Tuesday together and although Moses slept most of the time, I know he appreciated our closeness as much as I did. He fell asleep on my chest as we lay in the Fall sun and about an hour later he took his last breath. He was so peaceful as he his spirit left his feeble little body. I feel blessed beyond belief to have shared that moment with him.

Although I am heartbroken to have lost my sweet boy, I feel honored to have been his mommy. It felt connecting and spiritual to watch him accept his death so gracefully. Several people had commented on having him put to sleep earlier in the month however I didn't feel it was my place to interfere with the natural dying process. The vet told me what to look for as signs of pain or discomfort as his health got worse and while he was passing, he never had one. People don't often take the time to see the beauty and value in something old and dying. Moses was my teacher everyday and especially in his passing. He looked worn out and old but I could see the beauty in his spirit and he was LOVE.

I have no doubt that my sweet boy will lead me to another pet who needs a home. There is definetly something to be said for adopting an older animal. Yes the loss is heartbreaking but the feeling of helping another soul in their twilight years and to pass comfortably and peacefully is one I will never regret. My sadness at missing him is nothing compared to the joy of having had him in my life.

I Love you Mr. Moe....I miss your physical presence but you live always in my heart.

[pamurchu]

What a beautiful story. You must have a huge heart to take in what society has labeled a "discarded" animal and make him a part of your family. Moses was indeed fortunate to find you, and you were lucky to find him as well. Out there, somewhere, is another "Lucky Dog" just waiting for you to rescue him so he can enrich your life, just as Moses did. Bless you.