Goodbye Sandy

Last year, I had to say goodbye to Candy.  The decision to put a dog down is never easy.  A week ago, it was confirmed that Sandy had cancer.  We were still waiting on results from the biopsy, as the vet was pretty certain that Sandy could get another 3 to 6 months of pleasant life.

As the week wore on, It became clear that she wasn’t getting better with the pills she was taking.  Originally, I was going to take her in yesterday (Saturday) to be put down.  I was upset that I hadn’t taken her out for a “going away party” and opted to wait another day.

Saturday night, Diane and I took Sandy out for (a sip) of beer and a burger.  She enjoyed socializing with the the other dogs and people.

This morning, She seemed better, if a bit subdued.  The self-doubt about whether now is the time or not was gnawing at me.  The vet didn’t open until 2pm.  I worked on my bikes to stay busy.  I had some leftover parts to take to the co-op that opened at 1pm.

She didn’t seem horrible today, but she was suffering.  I loaded up the car with bike parts to take to the co-op.  I brought Sandy out to the car. We drove about 1/2 mile, and unloaded bike parts.

Sandy went in to the co-op and was mildly friendly with another dog there.  She was calmer than normal.

She couldn’t get back in the car, so I had to pick her up.  We drove another mile to the vet’s office.  I was afraid of a long wait.

After arriving, I lifted her out of the car, but she wouldn’t walk.  She could barely stand.  I carried her in, and she collapsed on the floor.  They immediately took her back.  The vet was ready to intubate her, but I reminded him I was there to have her put down.  They did nothing.  She was gone in less than three minutes.

In short, I was having second thoughts, but she eased my mind by dying all on her own.

I’d like to think I gave her a good home for the 8 or 9 years that I’ve had her.  That’s the best I can hope for.

Rest in Peace, Sandy.