While my dog Bono died naturally of heart failure, I know there are many who've had to make the brave and selfless decision to euthanise their pet. I know that many of these people take on an enormous amount of guilt after the event, which adds to the existing guilt all pet owners seem to feel when their pets die. Its been 9 months since Bono died, and still I am wracked with guilt for not being with him when he died. But here is a poem which I found, which might make you feel better about the decision you made,

If it Be

If it be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should wake me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle can't be won

You will be sad - I understand
But don't let your grief stay your hand
For on this day more than all the rest
Your love and friendship will stand the test

We've had so many happy years
What is to come should hold no fears
You would not want me to suffer so
When the time comes - please let me go

I know in time you too will see
It's a kindness that you'll do for me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved

Do not grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We have been so close, we two - these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

I seen that poem before... it actually helped me make the grueling decision nearly one year ago (this sat). Till this day that poem still brings tears to my eyes.

Gillian, Thank you for that poem it really touched me. Bono's picture is beautiful, What a cute dog. Do you mind me asking what kind of breed Bono was and some info about that breed. I'm contaplating on wether or not to get another dog . Thank You k9pal

Gillian,

Such lovely words, and very true. I'm glad it's here, I think I'll need it soon.

Intellectually, we all get it about doing the right thing for our friends and that at times, euthanasia is a mercy. That doesn't save us from the knawing guilt and saddness. This should help though , thank you.

My Aunt had a dog for thirteen years when I was growing up, and one morning she just found him, curled up in his usual spot. He was gone. I always kind of wished that for my guys. No luck yet.

(k9pal, Bono looks like a Cavalier - lovely little dogs when you're ready )
(*if he's not, he's a positively wonderful, pretty little dog, yes?)

Sharon

Yeah. Bono was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are amazing dogs to keep. I have another little Cavalier now - Nieko. They are attention seekers, which I love about them. A typical small dog with a big personality who you can't help but love. They are in their element when they are getting cuddled and held. And their big brown eyes would make anyone melt. I am constantly getting stopped by passers by on walks so people can pet my Cavalier. Although I have a Jack Russell noone takes any notice of. Poor boy.

However, don't get a Cavalier unless you plan on getting pet insurance. Fantastic though they are, the breed has a long list of health problems. Heart disease in particular affects most if not all Cavaliers sooner or later.

Bono was diagnosed with a heart murmur when he was only 3. When he was 6, his heart was rescanned and appeared to be getting larger; his vet seemed to dismiss this, so I took him to a specialist who diagnosed him with Mithral Valve Disease and Endocardiosis. He began treatment immediately - but since there are no cures for this horrible condition, the treatment (vetmedin, amongst other drugs) only served to slow down the deterioration of his heart. He had just turned 8 when he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, and 6 months later, I returned home from work to find him barely able to breathe. Despite rushing him to the vets, my lovely boy passed away in an oxygen tent, his body filled with fluid. He was only 8 and a half years old, and he wouldn't even have lived that long if I didn't almost bankrupt myself paying for his heart medication, scans, xrays, etc. But how could I not? Bono had been my world.

But if you are considering another dog, Cavaliers will bring HUGE amounts of joy into your home. They do shed a lot, so be prepared for that. Not all Cavaliers will be afflicted with this horrible disease so young in life as Bono was. I have another Cavalier who, although he is still only a year old, is showing no signs of heart disease. Be sure to ask the full medical history and age of both parents before you purchase a puppy, and never buy a Cavalier puppy who came from a mother under the age of at least 3-years-old.

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