We had to kill our oldest dog Phinny Phoo today.
He had a stroke last night, and this morning he could not stand. Phoo Bear, as he was nicknamed, was 17 years old. We killed him humanely, and it hurt me deeply to do it, but didn’t change the fact that it was the right thing to do. I hope that if I am ever in Phoo’s situation, where my body has betrayed me, that I won’t be a pawn in political games, like Terry Schiavo was. I would never allow a living being I care about to be starved alive.
Phoo died peacefully, being touched and comforted by the humans he loved. We fed him treats just before he went to sleep forever, and he was able to look up at us as he slipped away. I do not cry often, but I cried hard today, despite my best efforts not to. The photo below was taken two days ago.
Our loving and loyal bear was thrown away five years ago by someone else. He came to us from a shelter, because someone knew he wasn’t ready to die yet.
They were right, and he enjoyed the life extension he was given back then. Life is precious and should be nurtured. I’m glad Phoo got the extra time, because he brought us joy, and we benefited from his presence in our lives.
I’m glad we had five years with him. You couldn’t have asked for a more loyal dog. He doted on my wife, and his every breath was drawn for her. When she moved, he followed, always hopeful for a pat on the head, or a treat. Even when he could barely walk, Phoo would hobble up if Barb moved, and give it his every effort to be by her side.
When we found him this morning, it was obvious he had a major neurological event. You could help him up and he would fall over to one side – always the same side. I want to think that Phoo has a soul, and that he has moved on to somewhere where he is a puppy again. I hope that in that place, he is surrounded by things that make him happy and that he will spend his days running and playing with someone like my wife – someone who loves him as unconditionally as he loved her.
I’ll miss you Phoo. We planted your body under a pear tree in a place where the sunset will touch you every day the same way you touched me on this, your last day on earth. May your tree bloom and bear fruit, and remind me of the joy you brought into my life. I hope to play with you again in another world.
