With Love comes Pain

Yesterday my friend Rachel made the tough decision to put her cat Lou to sleep. She had had Lou for something like 18 years, and while he had been diagnosed with cancer and diabetes over a year ago, he was still chugging along, even though his new nickname was Skeletor. Rachel works as an emergency vet, and a large part of her job is, unfortunately, counseling people on euthanasia. Rachel is amazing at helping people come to peace with their decision and stressing the fact that sometimes euthanasia can be the greatest gift we give out pets. Being a "euthanasia counselor" however, didn't make the process any easier for her when it was time to put her beloved Lou to rest. Speaking with her made me think about Montana of course, and the euthanasia and grieving process I went through. As Rachel asked me for advice, I had the same thoughts go through my head: No matter what I say, this is a decision she has to be ok with. It is such a personal decision and it really doesn't matter what anyone else says.

I think Rachel made the right decision for Lou, and I think she agrees. What is so important for me, when dealing with the death of a loved pet, is that until you've done it yourself, you can't judge anyone else for the choices they make. I used to think some people were "prolongers" keeping their pets alive for themselves, rather than for the pet. But, quite honestly, after struggling with the decision for Montana, I understand why people wait as long as possible.

It saddens me how many of my friend's pets have been lost recently, but I am somewhat comforted by the thought of them all in pet heaven together, waiting for our time to join them. I sincerely hope that Lou, Tang, Montana, Mackay, Teddy, Chum, Maggie, Mariah and Jack, among others, are going to be ready for us when we join them. To all the pets that have touched our hearts and made us better people, I thank you!