Last week was a sad week for the Broad household, we had to get our beautiful dog (Billy) put down. After 14 years, of mostly happy memories, it was time to let him go. Those of you that are pet lovers will know how difficult this is. Over a year ago, we contemplated this decision and he lasted, happily, for another 14 months, using pain killers, anti- inflammatories and even some CBD oils, but things had gotten worse.
So, after a discussion with the family, we agreed that we were being selfish by keeping him alive and he was only going to suffer more, the longer we kept him. So, Sandra, Eddie and I went to the appointment and immediately started to challenge our thinking. We nearly walked out with him again as the vet was explaining things.
I knew what to expect, as 14 years ago I had taken our last dog to the gallows, but it still had the same affect. We all cried and walked out of the vets with a part of our hearts missing. 💔
When we got home, Reggie, the new puppy belonging to my Son and his girlfriend was jumping up looking for attention and this set us all off again, feeling guilty about Billy.
Now the weekend has passed and we have had time to reflect, we know we did the right thing and, as tough as it was, he is pain free now. Reggie is getting more attention than before, even though he ‘belongs’ to Jack and Maddie. Sandra and I have agree that we do not want to replace Billy so, are not getting another dog, although, it is tempting.
We have all looked at the early videos and pictures of Billy with fond memories and would definitely recommend a growing family household should have a dog (pet), but we are done. The challenge for young children to care for and look after a pet, is priceless, when it comes to life lessons. The responsibility for caring, cleaning, walking and general ‘shit clearing’ does instil some good values in people.
The love and loyalty you get from a dog is also unwavering and unconditional. Billy wagged his tail every day, all the way to the end, even when he was in pain and could hardly, hear, see or walk, he gave us love. We, as humans, could learn a lot from dogs and It’s a shame that some people are not more like dogs!