Every Dog Has His (Last) Day

Just as we were leaving the Vet this morning, I saw a man walking towards the entrance, carrying his dog, a beautiful Corgi. I opened the door for him and in a moment, I knew this dog wasn't coming in to get his nails trimmed or have his annual exam.

The life was gone from this dog's eyes. His owner, sniffed a few times. I didn't have the nerve to look him in the eye.

I looked at the dog, who had big white paws and a ginger coat. His brown eyes were faded. He didn't react to his surroundings at all and laid limply in his owner's arms.

Instead of waiting to pay for the visit, Debbie motioned to us to let him go first, so I stepped back and sat down. I whispered to her; "Is he going to put him down?" and she nodded; "Yes."

I tried to be respectful as the man brought his dog into the exam room we had just left, but I started to cry. I still feel awful for that nice man and his lovely dog. Not only does he have to put his companion down, but it has to be right before Christmas.

As I paid the bill and left the Clinic, tears streaming down my face, Debbie came outside and told me that the dog was suffering terribly and should have been put down days ago and that this was for the best. If she had said the owner didn't want to deal with the dog, I would have been in there in a heartbeat to pull him out of there.

As I write this, the dog no longer lives. His life is done. His story as at a close. His family is left to grieve and face the holiday without him.

To all those who love their companion animals, take a moment out to give them a big hug and kiss and to cherish the time you have with them.