The End

Gently I stoke her head
Silky smooth fur streaked with a touch of white

She no longer reacts to me

This little dog has always been a fighter
but her mind and body is no longer here
she has become toxic to herself
there is nothing else to try
the battle will soon be over

This is by the far the hardest thing I've had to do in such a long time.

So here we are at the end
together just like we've always been
and I'm trying not to cry
logic tells me I have to be able to drive home.

The vets and nurses are all saying goodbye
it's an honour to her that they are so upset.

I am with her all the way as the end approaches
she doesn't flinch
and I watch her take her last breath
my throat swells and tightens and tears are forced down
as I swallow hard

Gently I pick her up and hold her close to me as I take her home one last time

© Julie Patterson 2009