Still can't get to sleep. Been a bad day all round here at the Matrix house.
I had to put one of my dogs down today. Bailey (short for Baileys Irish Crème Princess, because that’s what color she was) was my oldest, an 11 year old female and she had a cancer growing in her sinus two years ago but did well with surgery and Chemo. But lately she’s been not her self, sleeping lots, very clingy and decreased appetite. The Vet found a new malignant growth in her sinus that had metastasized to her liver. Even an untrained eye like mine could see the growths on the x-rays. There was nothing to be done and since I did not want her to suffer needlessly we made arrangements for the Vet to come round our house this evening and Bailey died peacefully in her home, in her bed, in my arms with Bob and the other dogs around her surrounded by love.
We are going to miss her so much. She was my Grand Dame and alpha among my other dogs. She kept the younger ones in line. A bark from her would settle them right down. I got her as a puppy right after my Mother died. She was my first dog as an adult. Whatever will we do without our beautiful girl? Bailey, my baby-girl, my friend, my soulmate...you gave me, us so much love, joy and laughter. We are, all of us, inconsolable. Good Night Sweet Princess it was my very great privilege being your Fur-Mommy.
I am reminded of Lord Byron’s ode to his dog Boatswain …. Anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog will agree…
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog. ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, "Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog"