Wednesday, December 05, 2007


I have just received news of a very distressing nature. My dog, Ebony, pictured above, is to be put down in the next few days. She has been a faithful and much-loved pet (and friend) of my family for over twelve years. She is going deaf and blind, she has arthritis, and she has a tumor of some sort on her side. I will miss her very much, even though I haven't lived with her for a few years now. It must be harder for my parents, who are still used to her being there in the house every day. But it is better for her to be put down than to continue living in pain and confusion. Apparently she spent most of today lying still and whining. That's no kind of life for a dog, or for anybody. She has had a good life; she's been as much a part of our family as I am. She has her personality, her quirks, as do we all, and we all love her. I've already bought her a Christmas present... perhaps I could lay it on her grave? I'm sure she'd appreciate it more than flowers, since it's edible and she is a Labrador after all. So anyway... this is my farewell to a creature who has sometimes seemed more human than humans. Goodbye, Ebony, may you go to Doggy Heaven and eat all the compost your heart desires.

6 comments:

Menchie said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. It's sad but probably better instead of being in pain.

WithinWithout said...

That's a beautiful tribute to Ebony, Stace, and I feel for you and your family.

But you're right, if she's laying there whining, she knows it's time.

I think you laying her gift wherever she's buried would be a very fitting thing.

Hugs.

Keshi said...

Stace Im crying reading this!

Keshi.

Stace said...

Mencie, you're right of course. She's not happy as she is.

WW, thank you

Keshi, sorry!

Jewel said...

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Stace. It is so painful to lose these dear, precious family members. But, it does sound like it is best for her to have her put out of her misery. I'll be thinking of you, sweetie. ((HUGS))

lee said...

stace -I can empathise after having to have my own labrador put down early this year. Still become upset about it.Just last week I thought I heard him barking and was thinking that I'd have to go and tell him to be quiet -then realised that it must have been the labrador over the back fence that I've seen but never heard before this.Barkly was sometimes annoying but he was a lovely friend and I miss him awfully. Hugs to you and your family.