When the Time Comes

To live in this world

you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it

against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.

(Mary Oliver, extract from "In Blackwater Woods")

Miss Annie's time came today. At age 15 - 105 in human years -- she's had more bad days than good in recent months. She had a very difficult time last night, one that we could not bear to see repeated.

This morning we made the decision, and the phone call, that pet owners never want to make. Annie rallied a bit as the day progressed, but we knew that tonight, or tomorrow night, could be bad again. It was time to let her go.

We had a low-key day at home with Annie, not wanting her to pick up on any anxiety or distress from us. Our vet and her assistant came to the house late this afternoon. We sat with loving hands on Annie, in her bed on the floor, and quietly, the drug that would give her a quick and easy death was administered. She was there, and then she wasn't.

I never loved a dog before, but I did love Annie. She was smart, vocal, intuitive, and easy to be with. We will always miss her, but are glad she could end her life in this gentle way, circled in love.

(Phil's blip today)