Thank you to everyone who left me comments, sent me emails, texted me, tried to call me. I appreciate your support. Here’s the update:
Stink managed to bounce back after that night. Of course, given her vast number of chronic health problems, she’ll never actually bounce back fully, but a painkiller/Pepcid AC combo helped to get her through the worst of her diarrhea and she’s eating voraciously and pooping regularly now.
This is good news, of course, but it makes my decision a little harder, as it is something I will have to do at some point very soon and deciding when that will be will never be easy. The vet is scheduled to visit us tomorrow evening, but I think I’m going to call and cancel. I don’t know if I’m making the right choice, but something feels rushed about doing this tomorrow. When I made the appointment, Chelsea was really sick. Now, she’s fine (which is, of course, a highly relative term). Given her improvement, I think I can wait—not long, maybe a week, maybe two—and send her off properly.
One of the problems I’ve had this week is that I’ve gone over my minutes and can’t use my phone until Saturday (which is why I haven’t called you back if you’ve tried to contact me this week) and something feels wrong about making this decision without informing the people who have lived with and cared about Chelsea. Not that my mother is going to hop on a plane to get in one last belly rub, but that for some reason, even with dogs, it’s better to know before it happens than after.
I’m going to throw her a party. Maybe make some homemade doggy treats, order her a hamburger cooked rare from the burger joint up the street (you know me, my culinary expertise is limited to tempeh, tofu and beans…although I do make a good flank steak, but the vet told me I should stick to ground beef), have some friends over to pamper her with yummy food and lots of hugs, and do this the right way. You’re all invited, too—just bring small edible morsel to give to Stink (no twenty dollar bills, please, they’re too hard to digest).
16 responses so far ↓
1 TimsHead // Jan 26, 2007 at 3:40 am
Obviously, I would be there if I could. But I love the idea of a party for her.
OK, I actually always like the idea of a party. For any reason.
Moreover, glad to hear The Stink has bounced back. I can speak for many of your readers about how worried we’ve been and that this makes us feel better.
2 Monica // Jan 26, 2007 at 9:18 am
My parents put my 19-year old cat to sleep just a few weeks ago. They told me after, and I felt really empty about it. I commend you on thinking to talk to your mom about it beforehand. You’re right. There is something different about it–maybe it has to do with getting emotionally ready to let go. So sorry for you though. It’s never an easy thing.
3 Boo // Jan 26, 2007 at 4:19 pm
This is good to hear. I think your idea for a party or ceremony is a wonderful one. It is a great opportunity for everyone to have some closure and a another good memory to cherish.
It is also brave to do it and very adult. Keeping others informed is beyond considerate as well.
I have been thinking of you and her. Chelsea is a character in my mind already. I wish you both peace.
4 Lynn // Jan 26, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Oh, this is the hardest decision a pet owner can make. I remember my sister bouncing back and forth between decisions when her dog was ill with cancer. But the poor doggy could hardly walk. It was time. Sending Chelsea off with a party is the nicest thing I ever heard of. I wish I had had that opportunity to say goodbye to our cat, Gilgamesh, who was in a seizure and had to be put down while she meowed pitifully. It still makes me cry.
Lynn
5 Corbow // Jan 26, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Having a party for her before she goes is a wonderful idea. I wish I could have done something like that for Smoky, but by the time we had to make that decision she wasn’t in much of a party mood. Cats are like that.
I’m glad she has been able to give you a reprieve, however brief, so you can let her loved ones know.
6 thinlizzy // Jan 26, 2007 at 7:17 pm
I love your idea of a party for Chelsea. I was so sad for you all day Wednesday after I read your last post. It’s good to be joyful if you can.
7 Natalie // Jan 26, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I wish I could participate, but alas I am in Victoria and don’t have any days off coming to me… and I don’t know where you live! But I hope you have a great time! I’m so glad to hear that the pup is feeling better!
8 Oscar // Jan 27, 2007 at 10:58 am
Chelsea is lucky to have a friend like you.
9 fern // Jan 27, 2007 at 3:02 pm
OH stink! holy crap, dude, i’m so sorry you are dealing with these decisions and YES - throwing a party is GENIUS. complete and total mydogischelsea genius. i am attending in spirit and my gift is salami. i so love your dog. i hope you get more time with her. you’re a brave one. *HUGS*
10 Low_Mom // Jan 27, 2007 at 5:05 pm
That’s a tough decision. I had a dog with cancer one time. He never showed pain, but I knew he was suffering. We had to put him down in a rush and I hated not having time to say good bye. I loved that dog.
11 Lena // Jan 28, 2007 at 5:35 pm
We missed you today at frisbee! Everyone was really worried about Chelsea and it felt very empty without you guys. I’m glad she is feeling better. Call when you have minutes. I’m sending good energy from SE in Miss Chelsea’s direction.
12 Meredith // Jan 28, 2007 at 8:27 pm
This is the hardest part. Our happiest thoughts are with you.
13 James Cooper // Jan 29, 2007 at 8:52 am
I’m glad you’re having a chance to say goodbye to your good friend. I’ve never met the Stink but I wish I could be there to give her a hug before she shrugs off this mortal coil. I’m sure she’ll love all the attention and treats the next several days and the party will bring and she’ll leave this world a happy dog.
14 Erika // Jan 29, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be. (By this I, of course, am referring to the Stink party, not to my cubicle.) Is that guy from the garage on 83rd street gonna go?
15 Sharfa // Feb 1, 2007 at 8:10 am
Have you ever thought of switching her to a prey style diet? That is raw meat. A lot of health related issues can clear up once a dog is put on a natural diet. There is a boatload of info online about it. It could be worth researching.
When I switched my Grehound, Julieta over - her gassiness stopped (Greyhounds are notorious for bad gas), her coat is shiny and beautiful, her teeth are white and shiny, her poops have gone to once, maybe twice a day and are very small (all the nutrients are taken from the food - no nasty kibble fillers). Check it out.
If you do make the final decision, there couldn’t be a better send off than a party in her honor!
16 Greg // Feb 2, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Laura,
I’m so sorry to hear about Chelsea. I had the thought the other day that by the time my Lola gets old and sick (she’s almost 5), I’ll have two kids to explain to. It’s never easy to deal with. I still miss the dog I had growing up. Good luck to you and Chelsea.