All Her Dogs go to Heaven Together

A story of love and loss.

All Her Dogs Go to Heaven Together

Daphne’s dogs were old, in fact they would be considered ancient as dog years are reckoned. Snoopy was 19, which made him 133. Ed was next, she was 16 and Roxy was the youngest although she really didn’t know how old she was, when the kids brought her home 10 years ago Clyde, her vet guessed her to be about 5. She called her home the geriatric ward.

                For the last few years things had been getting hard. They all had old age issues that made caring for them a full time job. That along with visits to the vet kept Daphne pretty busy. Lucky for her Clyde gave her a group discount. He had treated her very well over the years.

                This day had been particularly hard. All of the dogs had been sick, she had been cleaning up puke regularly now for weeks, not to mention the accidents of the other sort. Snoopy couldn’t make it down the stairs anymore, and Ed and Roxy were not faring much better. She left work early and took Snoopy in for a visit.

                Clyde examined Snoopy then had one of his assistants come in and asked Daphne to come to his office. He motioned her to a chair and sat on the edge of his desk. She felt her heart get caught in her throat, she knew what was coming.

                “There comes a time when we are just keeping them around for our own benefit” he started. A sob caught in Daphne’s throat. He took her hands in his and squeezed them.

                “It’s time Daphne, for all of them not just Snoopy, they just don’t have any quality of life left in them, they have given you their best and they are tired and hurting. It’s time for you to let go.” She was sobbing uncontrollably now, but she nodded and did her best to get herself under control.

                “Can we let them all go together?” she finally managed to whisper.

                “Of course Daphne, the sooner the better, make an appointment with Sue. Stay here as long as you need.” Sue brought Snoopy in and carefully placed him in Daphne’s arms. She held him close and continued crying.

                “I’m so sorry I have been so selfish, I should have let you go some time ago.” She whispered in Snoopy’s ear. He looked at her with his rheumy eyes and kissed her check tasting the salt of her tears. She dissolved into sobs again. When she finally managed to get control of herself she made the appointment for the next day for all three dogs.

                When Daphne got home she immediately called work and let them know she would be out for the rest of the week. Today was Tuesday, and there was no way she would be in any condition to work after this. She made a comfortable bed on the floor, collected all their favorite toys, and gathered up Ed Roxy and Snoopy and lay down with them. She spent the night telling them how much she loved them and what good dogs they were. She received back from each dog looks of love and devotion that shattered her heart into tiny fragile pieces. They all slept together there on the bed she made on the floor.

                In the morning she carefully arranged their beds in the back of her Suv. One by one she carried her babies out and laid them gently on the bed of cushions. She fervently wished her sons were home to help her with this heavy burden, but Dixon was off in the Middle East somewhere and Dean couldn’t take time off work, he was too busy. He would have come if she called him, but she didn’t. All the way to the vet’s office tears flooded uncontrollably, part in grief, but there were also tears of shame and guilt.

                “I am so sorry I was so selfish and let you guys suffer for so long. I just love you all so much and I don’t want to let you go.” She continued to talk to them explaining what was going to happen.

                “You won’t feel a thing, you’ll just fall asleep and when you wake up you’ll all cross the rainbow bridge together, and you’ll see my daddy and my sister waiting for you, and Eliza too. You guys will be strong and young; you can run and play again.”

                When she arrived at the vets she sat in the car for a bit, putting off that final moment. Sue and Clyde came out the front door. Daphne sighed and reluctantly climbed out of her car. Each of them gently picked up a dog and took them to a back room Clyde had ready for her, with a comfortable place to lay the dogs, and a seat where she could be close to all three of them.

                “Do you need a little time?” He asked gently.

                “No, we’re ready.” Daphne whispered. Everything was prepared, Clyde had his two assistants come in and each of them gave the dogs their injections together. Daphne laid her head on Ed’s and a hand on Roxy and Snoopy and caressed them as they closed their eyes and gently fell asleep. She sat there for some time silent tears running down her face. Clyde rested his hand on her shoulder.

                “Take as much time as you need.” She nodded and a sob caught in her throat. He knelt down and pulled her into a tight hug and let her sob into his shirt. After a time she gave each lifeless body a final pat and left the room, leaning heavily on Clyde.

                “I’m going to take you home, give Sue your keys she can follow with your car.” Daphne nodded and let him lead her out to his car. Later at home she used an empty bookcase to create a memorial with pictures and favorite toys, and a place of honor for their ashes.

Reviews

[Samaira]

Letting go of someone you love is always difficult. And especially our pets. Somehow I feel we humans connects to our pets more than each other. Great story.