My last day with my dog, Magic - Democratic Underground

Samurai_Writer

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Sat Jun-25-05 01:44 PM
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My last day with my dog, Magic

If you've read my other posts, you know that Magic was in the animal hospital for the past week, with an initial diagnosis of pancreatitis. Yesterday, he had an ultrasound and other tests done, and it was discovered he had pancreatic cancer, very advanced. I brought him home yesterday afternoon, knowing he was in pain and not going to live long. So I planned to have him put to sleep today. This is how my last day with Magic went...

I tried to make sure that he was comfortable, of course, but also, that he got to do some of his favorite things. He had not been eating much all week at the vet's, but he did eat some of his favorite dog food (pedigree choice cuts -- beef -- the one that comes in the pouches). He also got a small piece of sausage from my pet sitter when she came to visit.

Friday evening, we spent outside mostly, sitting on the patio. Magic got to spend time with his friend, Scrappy the chihuahua. Although Magic was not able to play, he seemed happy to see his friend.

He had a restful night, although I caught him drinking from the toilet in the middle of the night. What the heck, it's his last night, so I let him.

In the morning, he watched the squirrels outside through the patio door. They come right up to the patio, as my neighbors above feed them in the mornings. Magic watched them, but didn't get all excited like he usually does.

My petsitter came over to spend some time with him. She also went with me to the vet's to put him to sleep. He was very happy to see her -- he was more energetic around her than he had been the previous day with me. However, he moved away from her a few times after she was petting him a while, as I guess he was not feeling good and in pain, and not wanting to be touched too much. She gave him some sausage from a McGriddle she picked up on the way to my house. He ate three small bites.

Too soon, it was time to go to the vet's. Both my petsitter, Casey, and I were crying the whole time we were there. The vet was crying too. She was so great, she talked to Magic and told him of all the friends he was going to meet in heaven. I'm an atheist, but that was really comforting to hear her say that. Naming all her previous pets that have gone on, and my cat, Nightmare, who was put to sleep 3 months ago. He passed away peacefully, with Casey and I holding him.

The vet looked over the ultrasound and tests the animal hospital ran. She said his entire pancreas was cancerous, and there was nothing she or anyone else could have done. She was very shocked, because she had been treating him all week until Friday, and said he didn't look or act that sick... just like a normal dog with a tummy ache.

Magic was absolutely the best dog I ever had. His life was way too short (5 years), but the last 1 1/2 years I had him after I adopted hi from the Humane Society was wonderful for me and for him too, I hope.

Bella