If it should be . . .

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you will do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears.
You wouldn't want me to suffer so,
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you will agree,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Anon.

I had to say goodbye to my longest standing patient today. He's a dog that I've come to know and love as if he were my own, and his owners are people I have huge affection for and affinity with. He went to sleep peacefully in the sunshine in his garden with his family around him. In theory, it couldn't have gone more smoothly, but I've not felt a lump in my throat as big as this one for a long time.

Sirius, you really were The Dog Star
xxxx