A little over 6 years ago a tiny bundle of joy joined our family. We went to the pound, looking for a medium-sized short-haired dog...and came home with Osa - a tiny kodiak bear-cub of a dog. The joke was on us when our vet explained that our tiny fur-ball was actually part St. Bernard. She quickly grew into a ginormous hairy beast. I have joked over the years that she would make a fabulous rug. Osa passed away yesterday. After a couple of months of mysterious digestive problems, our vet diagnosed her on Friday with cancer on her spleen and liver. She was declining quickly, and clearly in quite a bit of pain. Grayson came back from his fishing trip on Sunday and I had to break the bad news: she was very sick and not going to make it. My sweet little boy told me with tears in his eyes that he didn't want her to suffer and he wanted to be there when the vet put her to sleep. He said "it's like her funeral, isn't it? I should be there."
We took the day off yesterday, spent time with Osa, brushing her, talking to her, telling her what a good girl she is. We distracted ourselves by spending time with great friends. It was a very long day as we waited for the appointment. Finally, the dreaded moment arrived. Grayson and I sat next to Osa on the floor of the vets office, and they administered the drugs to stop her heart. It took only seconds for her to feel the effects and she slowly dropped her head, while we stroked her and told her over and over what a good girl she was. It was horrific and peaceful, and I'm so glad we were with her.
Our Osa was the sweetest dog you could ask for, and she is already greatly missed. Grayson wants to bury her ashes at the cemetery with Daniel, and I can't think of a more perfect place for her. Daniel loved her so much, and I have a clear image in my mind of him waiting to see her. Take care of her for us Daniel. Love to you both.
Michelle - this is so very touching and it brings tears to my eyes! I love you and Grayson very much! As I expressed this weekend with you, I am so very sorry for this!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to miss Osa. She was such a fun dog. We are thinking of you and Grayson.
ReplyDeletesh*t. Oh, that stinks.
ReplyDeleteMatt had just been talking about us as a Perfect Family. Now that it is just our dog and I, man - he is the only being in the world I am still here for. Matt had just asked me, the day before he drowned, if bo was too much for me to handle on my own. I so much wish I had asked why he asked, or if I could change my answer now and say - no, if you're going, let's all go.
Oh Michelle... My heart breaks for you and Grayson... truly. 'My Rick' died 13 months ago, today. We had five ADULT children... none lived at home. The ONLY 'child' that I have at home is my nearly 3-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Neah. SHE (and her potty needs) is THE ONLY thing that got me out of bed every morning during the first 7 weeks after Rick passed (after that, 'work' did)... I DO NOT KNOW what I would have done without her during that horrific, and excruciating time... she was ALL that I had to wake up to, and to come home to... and I am beyond grateful for her! I wish you and Grayson peace and healing during this (yet another) loss... And I KNOW that your Daniel is as ecstatic to have her with him, as she is to be with him...
ReplyDeleteMickie and Grayson we are so sad for the two of you and know how much Osa touched your lives. I too will miss Osa greeting me at the door and wanting a rub and a hug just like family. Big Hugs to both of you!
ReplyDeleteWe just went through this tough time in March, when all three of us were with our dog as she took her last breaths and hopefully joined my husband in heaven. That's what my sons and I believe to be true, and I really hope it is. He loved our old family dog so much, and it's only right that they're together again. It's such a tough thing. Sending you understanding across the miles.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Osa was a great big kid. Each time I visited she always had that 'ok, it's time to play" attitude. The way she would hit the floor with her legs flat out in all directions, kinda like a kitten, well it just cracked me up. I am going to miss, but always remember that greeting. I know it hurts and I love you both, Dad/Pappy
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