SAYING

By Sheryl Green

It’s that moment that every pet parent knows is coming, but denies until the very end.

For 15 years, I joked that Akasha, my beagle/lab mix and I had discussed it, and she was going to live forever. Through the dog park attack, the cancer, the arthritis, the collapsed trachea, and the 3x weekly sub-q fluids to keep her kidneys functioning, I did my best to ignore the inevitable.

Until I couldn’t anymore.

The vet offered “options” but at 16-years-old (at least), they might’ve prolonged her life, but they’d do nothing for the quality of it. The tightness in the back of my throat and the ache in my heart said it all.

Her very first vet in Las Vegas was Dr. Toby Goldman. For years, he cared for my girl before leaving the practice to become an in-home hospice and euthanasia vet, eventually starting Nevada Pet Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia. I knew it would be more expensive than a trip to the vet’s office, but I couldn’t think of anything better to spend my money on than giving my best friend the most peaceful, fear-free passing possible. On a Wednesday afternoon, I mustered up every ounce of strength and sent the hardest message of my life.

“Hey doc. I fear that we may be nearing that time with Akasha. I’m trying to hold myself together.”

He called me a few minutes later and we talked about whether it was time. In my heart, I knew it was. Keeping her around any longer would’ve been for me, not for her.

“What would the perfect last days look like?” He asked. My brain started firing: Treats, home cooked meals, sniffing at the park, a ride up to Mt. Charleston, quality time with the grandpawrents, a photo shoot, and so many cuddles. We did all of it.

When Friday evening rolled around, my parents, my dog Bodhi, and Akasha and I gathered in my living room. Dr. Goldman walked us through what would happen. The first injection would make Akasha as relaxed as anyone could ever be. (I requested this injection for myself but was denied.) Swaying on the carpet, I could see the medication take hold. I helped her lay down and stroked her fur, whispering how much I loved her.

With the second injection, we said goodbye. One moment, she was breathing and the next.... He arranged her in a beautiful basket with soft blankets. We allowed Bodhi to take his time sniffing her so he wouldn’t be looking for his sister for weeks to come. He made a paw print which I’ll admit, I say good morning to every day.

There’s never a good time to say goodbye. I can’t imagine it ever not feeling like your heart is being ripped out. However, I couldn’t be more grateful that this option exists. Akasha and I created a beautiful story, thanks to in-home euthanasia; I was able to give that story a beautiful ending.

When that time comes, research your options and consider saying goodbye in the comfort of your own home.

Sheryl Green is an author, writing coach, and passionate animal advocate, serving as the Director of Communications and Cuddling for Hearts Alive Village Las Vegas. Find her at www.sherylgreenspeaks.com.

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