Sit and stay: Saying goodbye to your dog

But no matter how many accidents you clean up or how many awkward butt-sniffing moments you have, the hardest part about being a dog owner is saying goodbye.

Binkley Anne was an adorable puppy. She had feet that were way too big for her body and a tongue that had trouble staying in her mouth.

She was my sister from another sire and dam (although I’ll fight anyone who says we didn’t look alike). She loved carrots and hated the vacuum. But the vacuum will never scare Binkley Anne again. Yesterday, I said goodbye to my adorable puppy. She was 15.

It would have been easier if she had gone naturally. Maybe in the middle of the night or while napping outside in the pachysandra. But she didn’t. She had trouble standing. She had trouble eating. Binkley was still with us, but she was no longer the puppy we knew. That’s when we knew it was time.

I truly hope you never have to put down a pet. Choosing the moment when your dog will stop breathing is not something I wish on anyone. But if you do, I ask you only one thing: Stay.

Before the procedure the vet will give you a choice. Leave or stay. I know it’s hard, but please stay. Pet her head. Hold her. Talk to her. Just hearing your voice will put her at ease. Let the last thing your dog hear be the sound of your voice, not the door shutting behind you.

After all, your dog has been by your side for all these years. This is the one time they need you to stay by theirs.

If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness. 

-Marjorie Garber

Goodbye, Binkley Anne. I hope there are no vacuums in heaven.