Pickles

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but my family has had a Jack Russell Terrier named Pickles since I was two years old.

This is her 17th year and the past several years we have seen her slowly lose her hearing, become nearly blind with cataracts, lose teeth, stumble, and just.....become old. This past year she has been leaving messes on the floor frequently and my poor parents have had to deal with all of it. 

So, Mom and Dad made the decision a few weeks ago that it would probably be best to have her put down soon. And we all agreed. I don't want to see her suffer anymore but UGH, I just hate this :( She is a part of the family and I've known her and loved her for as long as I can remember. And now we are sending her to her death. I feel awful, like I'm betraying her somehow.

Well, Mom brought Pickles into work today. To say goodbye. I knew it was happening soon, but I didn't know it was going to be today :( I guess it has to happen today, so this is just the way it has to be.

I'm trying not to be heartbroken, but I can't help it :( It's hard. My last glimpse was of her happily trotting down the sidewalk.

I love you, Pickles.

Now she's gone :( I never thought I would feel this much emotion with any kind of animal, but gosh darn it, I've been a waterworks all day.*sigh*

She was the best dog ever. I don't think I'll be able to allow myself to let another dog in my life, this in itself was far too painful.

P.S. All the pictures I added here are about 5 years old. I didn't want you to see how much she declined in recent years. Plus, I refrained from taking pictures of her for that very reason. Poor thing :( At least she's not suffering any more.

Sorry to leave you with such a depressing post :/ I just needed to share this.