08/17/2010

Hey Folks…

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve been on here. I have a lot to say, but no desire to truly write at this point. I will let you guys know that I had to put Bentley down last night. He was fine last week, but started having issues with walking this past weekend and despite the house being cool, he couldn’t stop panting. Later in the weekend, he showed a reluctance to eat/drink. I got home yesterday from work and carried him to the backyard. At this point, he could no longer stand on his own and just laid down in the grass.

Making the decision to put him to sleep was the hardest thing I’ve done in my 32 years. I always promised that when the time came, I would not keep him alive for my own selfish reasons. Animals seem to downplay their illness/pain for the benefit of their owner. I truly believe he held on for me yesterday and as a responsible "Mommy", it was my job to ease his pain and give him peace.

Chesty and I took him to the emergency animal clinic last night. He was in pretty bad shape when we arrived and they immediately put him in a room to get an IV started. I can’t begin to tell you how it felt to have him delivered to me in a blanket, say my goodbyes and hold his paw while the drugs were administered. Animal lovers know that our pets are members of the family. I am grieving today and feeling a major sense of loss. I got Bentley when I was 19 years old. He essentially helped me through the awkward phase after high school and the ups/downs of my 20s and early 30s. 14 years is a long, glorious life for a dog and I am thankful that Bentley chose me.

Bentley
 May 15, 1996 – August 16, 2010