The Absent Uncle: Dogs

My wife and I have been dog sitting her mother’s dog for the past week or so and have another two weeks before she returns from visiting her other children in California.

Her dog is a cute one. A male white poodle, with a very expressive face and some antics that can endear him to even the most negative dog person. He can find a way into your heart. 

Both my wife and I enjoy pets and still remember the horrible day when we had to put down our last dog – a white Labrador – named Sarah.  

She was a great dog. Gentle with everyone, with big brown eyes that were so trusting and full of love for her housemates. As age came upon her, so did the hip dysplasia that the Labrador breed commonly suffers with.

We did supplements, laser treatments, injections, all to watch her lose her mobility and the amount of care and assistance go up we needed to give in order to make sure she could get in and out of her “spot” and down the constructed ramps outside for her bodily needs. 

We knew her quality of life was suffering (ours too, truth be told) with puppy pads covering the direct path to the outside patio door and that we had to construct a towel lift for her back legs to assist in this movement multiple times a day.

But yet, she would look up at you with those soft brown eyes, she would tap the wall with her tail a time or two when you would say her name while walking by her.   

It was almost unthinkable to end this relationship, but we did have to think about it. We had a wonderful, compassionate veterinarian that assisted with assessment, plans, and finally, the dreaded appointment. 

I am tearing up just thinking of that morning. Carrying and loading her into the car, getting to the office and then she hops out like a puppy; smelling her surroundings and enjoying every bit of it. That energy was short lived, and we proceeded on with the plan.

We said our goodbyes, and vowed no more pets as they passed. We still had two cats (still have the same two seven years later). 

So, as I dog sit this little guy, I remember Sarah fondly and still really miss her. And while I fully admit I enjoy taking care of him; I am looking forward to turning him back to his own home in a couple of weeks. I’ll stick with memories.