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Dutchess was one of our four female animals (2 dogs, 2 cats) don't tell our other pets, but I always loved Dutchess the most. She was a mutt, a hound and doberman mix which made her protective and lovable at the same time. She was 8 years old when we had to put her to sleep because she had serious lung cancer. (It was so severe that on the x-rays, we couldn't even see her organs because it was covered with cancer.
It was Tuesday April 13, 2004 when we took Dutchess to the vet. She showed signs of heavy breathing and gaining weight on Sunday. My dad took her to the emergency animal hospital, but they were charging $1,200 to just tell us what the diagnosis was! So my mom took her to McAbee Vet on Tuesday and they ran some tests and said that Dutchess had cancer in her lungs and that it was amazing that she was still alive. They said that all of the dogs that are that bad don't last as long as she did. We were all amazed and knew that the reason she lived so long is because of love. We loved her and she loved us so much, she was so smart and when I needed to talk to someone, she was right there for me. She didn't interupt me once and listened. We loved her with unconditional love and I am positive that she was the same way.
I held her paw and my mom held her head as she fell asleep, closed her eyes, and rested her head for the last time on Earth.
That day was one of the worst days of my life.
I am still not realizing reality, I know it's very hard to cope.
Taking on the responsibilities of having a pet is also taking on the responsibilities of it's death. My friend's dog had to be put to sleep a few weeks ago, I felt sad for her but I never realized that I would feel the same pain she felt in a couple weeks. I don't want to be a pessimist, but you should always hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
I know that God knew how much my family and I loved Dutchess and that's why she lived as long as she did. Dutchess is so strong and I love her even more every day even though she isn't here on earth. I know now she is in doggy heaven running and jumping just like she used to.