Shiloh's Last Months, Things I'm thankful for... Options

[Kathleen032]

I think I’d be most thankful if Shiloh was sitting next to me at the Thanksgiving table, but since that can’t happen, here’s what I’m thankful for…

I’m thankful that when Shiloh was diagnosed with lymphoma it was in May, just before my summer break. We spent the whole summer together taking extra walks, extra rides, extra naps, and spending extra special time together. I cherished each moment we spent together. I’m thankful for each and every one of those moments.

I’m thankful that when it came time for me to make the decision to put Shiloh down, there was not a doubt in my mind that I was making the right decision. Shiloh lived life to the fullest up until 2 days before she died. Two days before I had her put down she was running, playing, and chasing squirrels and prairie dogs. The day before she was put down, she stopped eating and started having trouble breathing. The day I had her put down, her lungs were filling with fluid and she could barely walk. I’m thankful that she made the decision for me.

I’m thankful for the wonderful vet that I have. She came to my house to put Shiloh down. I’m thankful that Shiloh’s passing was so peaceful. Shiloh laid her head in my lap and went to sleep before the vet administered the drugs. I was able to cradle her head in my arms and whisper in her ear that I loved her just as she breathed her last breath.

Most of all, I’m thankful that I had 4 ½ wonderful years with the sweetest dog I have ever known. She was my companion, my confidant, my best friend… she loved me unconditionally. I will be forever thankful for her place in my life and in my heart.

PS - I’m thankful for the LS website and all the wonderful people I’ve met here. Thank you all for helping me cope with my grief.

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[Muffins]

Hi Kathleen:

Thank you ever so much for sharing your letter with me....... It was absolutely beautiful!! And, MIGHT I ALSO SAY........SHILOH....SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND PRECIOUS!!!

You know, when I read your letter.........I was able to OPEN MY HEART MORE, AND SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE ----
THAT, "WE REALLY, REALLY DO HAVE A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!!

There is NO WAY THAT 4 & 1/2 years is LONG ENOUGH..........Not at all!!!!! But, from reading what you wrote....
I can see that "THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOO WASTED TIME".... ZERO!!

Your quote,

"I'm thankful that she made the decision for me"

When I think back to 2/7/2004......I wish that I HAD STEPPED BACK.....TO SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE........
And, I realize (now), that "Ernestine REALLY DID MAKE 'THE DECISION'".....
Ben and I just needed to "help her a bit!".........

God Bless you, Kathleen!!
Love, Denise