My daughter fell in love with Beagles when we were watching Westminster Kennel Club dog show. We've been watching since 1993. When the opportunity to get a Beagle puppy came up, I took it.
Taffy was born on December 30 1995. She was one of 3 girls and 1 boy in her litter. When we went to visit and choose our pup, we were taken with the male. However, Taffy decided that she wanted to come home with us. We listened to her.
She was immediately drawn to my daughter. She followed her everywhere. I even credit Taffy with saving her life. One cold winter day, Taffy was stood in front of Danielle's closed bedroom door. It was 10:00 at night and 7 year old Danielle had been asleep for 2 hours. I told Taffy to get in her bed, but she didn't budge. I said it even more sternly - she still didn't budge. As I started down the hall to bring Taffy to bed - I heard Danielle struggling to breathe. Her severe asthma had kicked in and she couldn't yell for help. If Taffy hadn't been so stubborn...
Taffy developed arthritis as she aged. Who doesn't? Rimadyl and glucosamine helped her to feel like a pup again. In true Beagle fashion, she loved chasing birds and squirrels, running down the yard AROOOOOing at the top of her lungs. But her favorite time of day was dinner time. She never met a food she didn't like.
This past weekend, she began to stumble then did nothing but walk in circles. When we managed to get her to the vet, xrays revealed a damaged spinal cord. Was it degenerative disease? Was it an injury? We will never know. All we know is that she was in extreme pain and drugs did not help.
The vet's words were harsh - even with surgery, there was no chance for a pain free existence. The nerve damage would be permanent. The pain in her eyes was obvious - and heartbreaking. We did the only thing we could do...
Taffy - you brought joy and laughter into our lives. You were a clown in a fur coat and a beloved member of the family. You have left a hole in our lives and our hearts that will not be filled. I hope you are able to run and howl without pain now.
We love you!
1 comment:
What a lovely memorial. I feel for you and the choice you had to make.
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