Horse Diary -- September 2006

September 2006

September 16 , 2006

Rain
April 3, 1998 -- September 16, 2006

My sweet Rain dog took a downturn in the past couple of weeks, and in the last few days, it became obvious that we were soon going to have to end his pain. We took him to the vet a couple of days ago, and the vet's exam of his joints and lifting him in and out of the car was just more than his body could take.

I thought with a couple of days rest, he would get over the soreness, but it became clear that he wasn't getting over this. He spent his time in one spot, moving only when I begged and pleaded for him to go potty. He was still eating enthusiastically, but I had to bring him his food.

We made an appointment at the vet for 1:20. I tried to find someone who would come to us, so he could pass away peacefully in his own yard, but Saturday just isn't a good day for that. So Jay and I drove him there, and the vet came out to the car.

It was horrible. His spirit was still so strong -- it was just his body that gave out. Watching the vet put in that needle and feeling Rain's head slump against my arm was the hardest thing I've ever done. Thou shalt not kill. God, please forgive me. Rain, forgive me.

I'm grateful that this happened on a weekend, because Jay needed to be with him. Rain was very much his daddy's dog. Rain was my first clicker dog, and he was a one-of-a-kind perfect dog. I'm thankful for every moment he graced my life, even the last painful ones.

Satch will meet him at the Bridge. I hope it wasn't very far, because Rain doesn't like to travel.

I love you, Rainy.

List and Site Owner: Melissa Alexander, mca @ clickersolutions.com