Saturday, February 7, 2009

The Dark Before The Dawn

Well, today was the day. I spoke to Patrick this morning about how badly I wanted to be there, and how important I thought it was, and he agreed to behave himself so we could all be there.

It was, of course, peaceful, for Tyler at least. For several long minutes, we actually thought that he had passed simply from getting the sedative, but then he took a semi-deep breath and let out a snore. He fell asleep with his head in my hands, and we all held him and petted him until after it was over.

I am a mess. DH isn't much better. The kids are OK. Baci seems fine, and honestly the last few days he had been bothering Tyler less. I think he knew that the end was near, either way.

Here's a photo of happier days - Tyler and his brother, Cyrus, who we lost to cancer in 2007, playing with DH in the snow after a storm just before Patrick was born. Neither of them is even gray in this one.



Tomorrow will be a new day, and next week will see a new life enter our home. Today, though, tissues have taken Tyler's place at my side here on the couch.

13 comments:

Melinda said...

Even when you know you've done the right thing and alleviated the suffering of a dear beloved pet, it is still so very hard. You gave Tyler a great life that was all a dog could hope for. I'm thinking of you today.

AndreAnna said...

I'm so very sorry. Thinking of you all.

Kristin.... said...

I'm so sorry. Sending hugs to you all.

Kelsey said...

I'm glad you were able to be there together and help each other through something so difficult.

A sad day, to be sure...

Thinking of you!

creative kerfuffle said...

aw sweetie, i so know how you're feeling. i'm sending big hugs. it's hard, but you did the right thing and i'm glad you could all be there with him. he was loved, well cared for and happy while he was with you all. that's all you can do.

Sarah said...

I'm so sorry for such a hard time. I get choked up even THINKING about the fact that our dog, Fonzie, is getting older and gray and probably isn't going to be around during our kids' entire childhoods. They really are family members in every sense. You guys sound like you are very good to your pets, and I agree with Melinda that Tyler couldn't have hoped for a better home and family.

Not Your Aunt B said...

I am so sorry. It is hard to lose a part of your family. It's the little things that get to you- the routine snuggle every time you sit on the couch, filling one bowl instead of two, etc. Sending some comfort and hugs your way. I have been thinking of all of you.

And what luck (or fate?) to have a sweet little girl to join your clan next weekend. She looks so sweet.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the family member you all lost.

Chantal said...

Oh, I am so so sorry to hear this. I have two friends who have had to put down dogs in the last few weeks and it is so so hard.

Kristi said...

I'm glad you were able to be there. I'm sending lots of hugs your way!

Hotch Potchery said...

I read the post last night, but I was so upset I couldn't really even think of what to say.

What an awful, awful time you guys have been having. I am so sorry.

Stimey said...

I'm so sorry. It's so hard to lose part of your family. Hugs to you.

Sherendipity said...

I'm so sorry, hon.