I treat a wide range of dogs, mainly young, but some are older, working or agility dogs. They range from musculoskeletal issues, post post-operative to monthly maintenance massage. I have experienced and seen some amazing results with all the dogs I work with but as always in life, there is sorrow and joy.
Sadly, over the last few weeks, three of my furry clients have crossed the rainbow bridge. All their guardians have said that they would not have had the time they did with their beloved fur friends if it were not for my work. I say this with a tremendous sense of pride, that these lovely humans have let me into their lives to treat their most precious ones in their final years. I am truly honoured that my fur clients allow me into their personal space and also taught me so much. (Next time you see me, ask to see my new tattoo!!)
As I write this, my 15 ½-year-old Springer Spaniel, Lucy, who is also the inspiration behind my work and my stunning logo, is lying next to me on the sofa. She is poorly. After being diagnosed with hip dysplasia at the age of 5, she has contended with age-related heart disease and arthritis, so is very wobbly on her back legs. Lucy is virtually blind & deaf and has Canine Cognitive disorder (doggy dementia). Yesterday, when she awoke, she exhibited severe ataxia (drunken sailor walk), rapid nystagmus in both eyes (eyes flicking side to side) and a lot of yawning (anxiety) with lick-smacking noises (nausea). Lucy could not walk or go to the toilet without my husband or me holding her up. As you can imagine we were rather distraught. Our Lucy Bear is superdog.
Our vet was absolutely amazing. Our vet is gentle and kind and she thinks Lucy could be Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome (a group of diseases that affect the balance system) but only the next few days will tell us for sure. Unfortunately, that means that Lucy cannot be left on her own at all. Lucy has to be helped to move about or go to the toilet – with the use of a sling.
If Lucy’s condition improves then this is great news, but if she does not improve or her health declines then our family will need to discuss with our vet the best course of action for Lucy. Her comfort is our priority.
When I read back the list of things Lucy was struggling with prior to this last incident, I know it would make many people say – why have you not considered releasing her from this world? Hence the reason for my writing today.
Lucy was a happy, bouncy, completely nutty spaniel who still enjoyed her food, was pooping and weeing ok and enjoyed her trips around the garden and the occasional walk. In all honesty, she’s hard work but other than that, we felt all good.
So when is the right time to let go?
All guardians have or will in the future have to ask themselves that very question.
So, in my personal view, this is what I tell my clients:-
- Trust your gut;
- Make sure deep down that whatever you do is for them, not for you, your benefit, or convenience.
- Please please please consider staying with them until they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. Our dogs give us unconditional love and total acceptance. We are their whole lives. To provide love and security/comfort at this time would be a wonderful thing to do.
- Don’t be afraid to seek help. Blue Cross offers a pet bereavement service but also provides some good info on the whole process so that you can prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Grief is grief and anyone who says ‘it’s just a dog’ is not worth your time and energy.
For us, we are taking each day as it comes and treasure each moment we have with her. She is warm, safe and loved to her very core. When the day arrives, we will know and we will do right by her – as she has done by us every day since she joined our family.
Thanks for reading
Namaste.
Love Lou xxx