“Life is life—whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’s own advantage.”—Sri Aurobindo

Saying goodbye is never easy.  Making a decision to end the life of one that you dearly love is a pain that I would not wish upon anyone. But, sometimes it is something that we have to do. On June 21, 2010, I had to make that decision for my sweet companion Beetle Bailey.  This is his story, what I know of it, and my farewell to him.

Beetle came to live with  me via Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society.  Mommy Kym, as she is known around my house, knew I have a special place in my heart for senior dogs and thought that Beetle would do well with me.  So, I took the little fellow and it wasn’t long before he won a very special place in my heart.  

Beetle was, well, if you picture Walter Matthau, you have Beetle.  He was a grumpy old man.  He didn’t like other dogs, loved to eat, and loved treats and to go outside to pee a lot!     

When he came to live with me, he made the fourth doxie in the house.  About a year after he came to live with me, I had a heart attack and subsequently cardiac by-pass surgery.  I was seperated from my doxies for two months while recovering.  I missed them all so much.  One of the things that kept me going each day, was the desire to see my babies.  So, after I got home, I tried to look after them all, but my health would just not allow it.  I realized that I couldn’t handle four of them.  So, three of them went to live with good friends of mine.  I decided to keep Beetle because he didn’t need the trauma of being moved to a new house with new surroundings.  

After those other dogs were gone, Beetle perked up like a new man.  He pranced around the house checking for two days to make sure they were gone.  He explored and conquered his yard (and it was his yard and not anyone elses).  He ate well, got lots of love, and lived like the little prince that he was.  He was my companion.  I talked to him, loved him, and occasionally laughed at him. We had a wonderful time together.  

Over the years that he lived with me, he had, what I thought, was some minor arthritis issues (one doesn’t get that old without a little trouble).  But, with some glucosamine and an occasional baby asprin, he did quite well.  

However, about a week before I had to say goodbye to him, he began to get worse.  He was just not his energetic little self and by the end of the week didn’t really leave his bed.  Finally over the last weekend, I had to carry him outside so he could do his business and that was a struggle for him.  I knew what that meant, but I held out hope that some injection or some miracle could be worked and that he would be just fine. 

I took him to the vet that day and they found multiple problems.  His lower back had major problems, his bladder and kidneys were full of stones, and a tooth had absessed.  The Vet came in and was very honest and sweet.  She told me that he was in such bad shape, she did not believe make it through the first of multiple surgeries he would have to have and sadly recommended that he leave us.

Sadly, I knew it was time for us to part.  They gave me about thirty minutes with him.  I held him and talked to him.  Finally, the Vet came in, and while I held him, administred the injection to make him just go to sleep.  I said goodbye to my dear, sweet, friend Beetle Bailey.  

The Vet and her staff was so very supportive and kind.  I didn’t know quite what to do with him at that point, so they kept him while I decided what to do.   The next day I picked up Beetle and we buried him out under the trees on the mountain where I live.  I decided that I wanted him where he loved running around on this beautiful mountain. 

I miss him.  I will always miss him.  I still find it hard to talk about him without a lump forming in my throat and tears welling in my eyes.  I would give almost anything for just one more day with him.  But, I know that he will meet me one day when I go to the rainbow bridge.  

I love you Beetle. 

Beetle Bailey

From www.papilio.ca – In memory of all the pets that have touched our human souls…

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