Today my heart is broken.
Our dog Max didn’t seem like himself for several days. He wasn’t eating and seemed out of sorts. We took him to the vet on Tuesday and X-rays showed he had two tumors next to his spleen. One of the tumors was about the size of a lemon. He was also slowly bleeding internally causing anemia. Several of his organs had fluid around them. We could have opted for surgery, but surviving it in the long run just wasn’t possible.
On Wednesday Terry and I spent the day with him at home. He got plenty of love and attention. He spent the afternoon lying under the tree he loved. Our daughter, Laura, and grandsons, Shane and Cody, brought Max a Wendy’s Frosty and he loved every lick.
This morning we took Max to the vet. We had made the tough decision to put him to sleep. Dr. Partridge at Northmont Animal Climic was so compassionate and gentle with Max. Months ago I sensed my time with Max was limited and I constantly prayed to God to take him gently into His arms when the time came. My prayer was answered today as the anesthetic put Max peacefully to sleep in seconds. I placed my hand on him and said a prayer of thanks. He truly was a gift from God, showing up in my life just when I needed him.
The thought of putting such a beautiful creature into the ground was unthinkable to me. I chose to have him cremated. Terry and I took Max to our son, John, who is a Funeral Director at Linnemann Funeral Homes. I’ve always been proud of my son and the compassion he has shown through mortuary service. Today we experienced it first hand. I was truly comforted by his warm compassion. We asked John to put his ashes in a simple wooden box.
About an hour or so later, we returned to pick up Max’s ashes. His box was in a paper tote bag covered in paw prints. Also inside the bag were several unexpected items. Fellow employee, Jason, created a clay impression of Max’s paw print. He also had clipped a small lock of Max’s hair into a bag and attached it to a wonderful card. I was deeply moved.
It was hard coming home and not seeing Max and getting my typical presidential greeting. For almost 14 1/2 years he has been my constant companion. Max had wrapped himself so completely around my heart with his unconditional love and loyalty.
In several days Terry and I will bury his ashes in our prayer garden. Max had a real joy of presiding over our property. Now he will forever be a part of it.