I recently published a Spotlight article titled “Canine Euthanasia-When You Should Say Goodbye” highlighting my geriatric dog Daisy. I prayed when Daisy’s time came, she would pass peacefully in her sleep due to a sudden medical event. But I knew the more likely scenario was that I would have to make the difficult decision when to euthanize.
The latter scenario unfortunately unfolded at 3 AM Tuesday April 11th. Daisy’s quality of life deteriorated rapidly that Monday. I bought her to the Florida Veterinary & Referral Center in Estero where Dr. Hayley Booth, kindly and compassionately, helped me send Daisy over the rainbow bridge.
Daisy came a long way from being rescued during a Humane Society of the United States raid and rescue operation at a lady hoarders farm in Alabama in March of 2011. Humane Society of Naples volunteers took 37 of those dogs and cats to their shelter on Saturday night, March 5. At the Society’s request, I visited the Shelter Sunday morning to assist with cleaning and evaluating the dogs. That’s when I met Daisy Mae. She was a breeder dog that had been strapped to a tree, close to death, just skin and bones, heart worm positive and hairless due to demodectic mange! Despite the horror of her captivity, Kathy Gumph, Volunteer Coordinator for the Humane Society at that time, was amazed how Daisy, with mange so bad her eyes were almost swollen shut and her feet were cracked and bleeding, was still wagging her tail and giving licks through her cage.
Daisy was happy and gentle natured from the time she was rescued till the time she passed. She became my training partner helping me rehabilitate reactive/aggressive dogs. Through all the aging disabilities she subsequently suffered (adrenal cancer, partial blindness, hearing loss, muscle atrophy) she never lost her smile or gentle nature. She taught me so much about how to appreciate life despite all the curve balls it throws you. Thank you Daisy for the incredible privilege you gave me of being your owner. Thank you also to Scott Gregory of the Old 41 Animal Hospital who kept her out of pain and made sure she had a good quality of life through 15+ years.
For any readers suffering the loss of a beloved pet, feel free to contact me. I believe talking about and remembering your pet is a form of healing. I also don’t despair, because I know these incredible angels God gave us are waiting for us on the other side. Please know there are many bereavement resources available. Go to https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/resources/pet-loss-support. Hope Hospice also offers bereavement counseling at (239) 482-4673.
