I am deeply touched by your comforting words during this sad time. I am fortunate to have such caring friends here on Rediff iLand.
Sierra left this life very gently and peacefully, in the comfort of her own little bed. The veterinarian who made this possible is Dr. Beth Mosley, an extraordinary human being whose heart is filled with true compassion and love for animals. She stayed with me for nearly two hours, comforting both me and Sierra before the final good-bye.
This is the second time I have witnessed the peaceful passing of a beloved canine companion and once again am forced to contemplate on why human beings have such a difficult time in allowing those with painful, terminal illnesses to decide for themselves when they have had enough. Shouldn’t every individual have the right to choose a painless, gentle passing?
I do not know what the laws regarding physician assisted suicide or euthanasia are in India. But in the USA, there is a great deal of conflict surrounding this issue. What should be a personal, private decision with family is dragged into the arena of politics and, of course, the inevitable hidden underside which revolves around power and money. In this country, the medical profession will subject very elderly people to unnecessary surgery which often causes more harm than good, IF the person has enough insurance to cover the cost. Yet they allow people who truly need medical care to go untreated because they cannot afford medical insurance. The bottom line always seems to be money… so very sad.
My tiny flat feels so empty now, even though the squirrels and birds are constantly present just outside my door. Sierra’s loving presence was so powerful and gave me strength to get through the day. I cannot help but wonder if her passing happened at a time when my own ability to survive is diminishing. A friend said to me “I never thought Sierra would outlive you”. Neither did I, but it would have been more traumatic for her to get used to living without me, and I am relieved that the sacrifice had to be mine, rather than hers. I know she is in a beautiful place now and will be waiting for me when it is my time to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Friends' Update
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the dumb ones are more faithful as company.
the vacuum left by a pet couldnever be repaired.
thanks for sharing.
reminds me of the time when my naughty playful pom…REX…had died….i spend many a hours feeling his loss in my life.
Death should be as natural as birth, happening in its time, as nature deems it fit, that’’s waht I feel. I guess if someone is terminally ill, death will come in due course, if we let it be. It’’s the intervention at that stage with artificial means that is unnatural. But since most of us want to cling to life , we try and discover more and more methods of prolonging that breath just a bit longer, even if that means lying unconscious or in a coma. I hope you get over the grief of this loss quickly. Hope another little pet comes along to cheer you up.
be strong dear…one cannot see a loved animal suffer.
Deeply moved by your feeling. Pl.write more & more on such heartbreaking issues.
Oooh, I feel so sorry for you. you will miss him so very much, your lovely and faithful dog. Much strenght, my dear friend.