IVDD: Saying Goodbye

I have said more times than I can count that I dreaded the day I had to say goodbye to my Bullet.  By lunch time, Bullet was barely able to move his head.  Calls were made and a “Rainbow Bridge Vet” was contacted to come release Bullet from his suffering in the comfort of our home with the whole pack surrounding him.  That is not a job I’d ever want to have.

I was ready to let him go by the time the end came.  It hurt so much to see him locked inside his body with no ability to do more than move his eyes and occasionally turn towards me.  There is some speculation that there was something else going on to as he progressed so rapidly and so severely.  Letting him go was the easiest hard thing I’ve ever done.  I so believed there would be a miracle and I had time to work through my anger and frustration in my God who didn’t spare my little dog.  I don’t know why his time with me was so short.  I know I did everything I could to prevent this from happening and I did everything I could to fight it once it did.  I know that he has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and will shepherd any future pups that we may have that don’t make it.  I know that he will be free to chase mice and lift his leg on plastic bags and I know that one day he will be the first to greet me.  Letting go of Bullet isn’t easy, but saying goodbye to his suffering with IVDD is something that I can be grateful for.

Bullet was the best friend I ever could have asked for.  He loved unconditionally and was never selfish or held things against me- not even the arrival of another dog to live here.  I am so grateful for the time I had with him and the joy he brought into my life- not just in his being here but in showing me the amazingness of the Dachshund breed.  Rest in peace, beloved Bullet. I will see you again one day.