Pets give us unconditional love, enhance our daily lives and help to increase our life spans. Yet, every day, beloved pets are displaced, let loose to fend for themselves, surrendered to shelters, used as bait in dog fighting rings, or sold as laboratory dogs; because family members (of the deceased) did not know what to do, were overwhelmed, or did not care enough. So, the pet loses his owner(s), his home, and everything he knows as familiar; and very possibly his life. What can we do, as responsible, loving pet owners to ensure the care, well-being, and safety of the animals who share our homes and our lives, if something should happen to us?
Titan's appointment went as well as it could have. Dr Kristy said if I had nothing to do but care for him, around the clock, and a few thousand dollars, would only have bought him a month or so. It was the right thing to do; as I knew.
I sat on the floor, he lay on a blanket....Kristy gave him a sedative, and said to just tell her when we were ready. Two emergencies came in, so we had some time.
With an entire box of tissue handy, I recalled, the first day we met, about five years ago. Titan no longer "fit his owner's lifestyle". The owner signed him over to me (an Australian shepherd rescue representative, and mom to five aussies) . I took this gentle, black tri aussie out of Jupiter. Looking into his big brown eyes, I promised him a life where he would be loved and adored.
Soon, Irena adopted him. They were so happy, until she realized, she realized she was allergic. She went on medicine, until I could find the perfect home. I found it, with George and JoAnn, an elderly couple in Delray. Titan became the light of their lives. Irena enjoyed visitation rights. George started taking walks again. Ti loved going to work, then coming home, and sitting outside on the porch with them. They always told me, "Ti is the BEST dog we have ever had, thank you so much!"
A couple years ago, their vet got a sheltie that needed a home; Cassie joined the family. They were best pals. At that point, Ti looked at me, worried. I told him, "Of course, I am going to take care of your sister, don't worry". He laid his head back on the pillow.
Every time I visited my brother, in Delray, I would slither out and visit George, JoAnn, Titan, and Cassie. My phone would ring, with a family member asking, "We are getting ready to eat, are you coming back?"
Ten months ago, JoAnn passed away suddenly. George and the dogs were lost without her. Last month, George passed away. The family was going to take the dogs to animal control - I was furious. "Those dogs brought so much joy and happiness to your parents, and you would do that to them? I asked. They located the adoption papers for Ti, proving he was to revert back to me. I noticed, he had lost a lot of weight this past year, and had been battling an ear infection (according to his records).
A nurse with a soft spot for senior dogs expressed interest in adopting them, but never showed/called the day we were to meet. I would take them. Ti and Cassie almost were going to be guests, on my long-overdue Key West weekend. Luckily, a temporary foster home agreed to take them. As I got some badly needed R and R, Titan began to falter. He was uneasy on his feet, and was sleeping a lot. Cassie wanted to play with him, and he was uncharacteristically, grouchy. By the time I returned, the foster home was very concerned. I had a feeling of what was coming.
As always, my vet came through, fitting us in......so, here we are on the floor......Then, it was time. Ti was totally relaxed. Kristy came in, and administered the injection. I kissed Ti again, and told him to look for Aussie Mama Annette, at the Rainbow Bridge. She will guide him to JoAnn and George. With my hand on his chest, he calmly sighed; I felt the last beat of his big heart.
I will take care of Ti's "sister", Cassie. I will find her a loving home, just as I promised. Rest in peace, sweet Titan.
Pet-parents ~ hug your furry babies, extra hard, tonight. Tomorrow ~ make sure you have a plan, in writing (as part of your will). Detail daily care, what will happen and where your pet(s) will go, should something happen to you. Leave financial consideration for them, to be kept in the manner they are accustomed to.
Do not assume a friend/family member will do the right thing. They won't care for the pet as you have, unless you make it clear what your wishes are, with conditions (how the pet is to be rehomed/kept). No, it's not a pleasant thought, but as responsible pet owners, We owe this to our pet(s). Do this for your own peace of mind, and in honor of the Mighty Titan.