Thanks for the kind words of comfort, everyone.
I arrived at the animal hospital about 1:20 this afternoon and shortly was shown into a private room.
After a short wait, one of the staff brought Bubba in so I could cradle him in my arms.
He was so weak and pitiful looking, but he smelled me and slowly managed to give me a final face lick.
He knew I was there...
They told me that I could take as long as I needed, so I held him, gently stroked him,
and sang a little song I'd written just for him many years ago.
He looked at me several times as I was singing,
so I knew he heard my voice...
It's a silly little song, but I'd sung it to him everyday since he was just a tiny handful of wiggly puppy.
I love you Bubba,
Oh yes I do.
I don't love anyone
as much as you.
You are so good to me
it's true!
Oh Bubba, I love you.
After about an hour, Dr. Foster poked his head in and asked if we were ready.
I looked at Bubba, he gave a little sigh and then I realized that he
knew he would not
be coming back home with me, but was instead going to Rainbow Bridge where he'd
be met by St. Francis, and taken to where all the precious companions can romp around
and play.
Dr. Foster came into the room and explained briefly that he would be using a two step injection process,
the first a mild sedative and the second a lethal nerve agent. After the first injection, he gently placed his
stethoscope on Bubba's chest, then gave him the second injection. He seemed a bit surprised that Bubba's
little heart stopped almost instantly. He said that was very unusual, and that it normally takes at least a minute...
So, I knew then that Bubba was ready to go to his final home...
It was 2:22 pm...
Listen to "
At Rainbow Bridge the Puppies Play" a gentle instrumental I've scored for the occasion.
Here's a link to the beautiful gardens where he will be interred soon:
http://www.petrestinc.com/slideshow/
Bill