Moses

I am writing this memorial for Moses as part of the grieving process, and to share with those considering home pet euthanasia the special experience that I had with the assistance of Dr. Forslund.   Dr. Forslund’s caring, understanding, and gentle manner made this most difficult decision and experience of pet euthanasia one that I can remember as a special moment and a good memory, rather than one that would diminish the memory of my special boy's last hours.   

Moses was the best companion a human could ever want.   A tri –color Collie, he was all about making his humans happy. Intelligent, happy, full of energy, Moses loved all humans, dogs, cats, and especially children that he came into contact with through out his life.  He was extraordinary as a Collie as he loved to swim and would swim laps in the pool by himself or with his humans.   He was a wonderful lifeguard; sounding the alert if anyone entered the pool.   If someone dived off the diving board, and he could get to the pool, he would dive into the pool, swim out to the diver and guide them to the side of the pool.   He ran like a small pony, cutting quickly right or left, leaping in the air when we played ball.   He was a gentle spirit that learned his commands easily and was always a pleasure to take for a walk or ride.   

In early October of this year 2010, Moses was in perfect health with the exception that his hind legs would no longer lift him off his bed.  It had been a year and half journey of slow deterioration of his hind leg strength, and culminated with is losing his balance easily even when I lifted him to his feet.   The decision to end the life of this noble friend was the most difficult decision of my 58 years of life.  Happy, laughing eyes, giving his special look, the turn of his head slightly and raising of is ears when his name was called or the word “cookie” was spoken, how I could make the decision to end his life.   I struggled in those last weeks with the ultimate decision.  How would the process work? Where would it happen? How could I maintain his and my dignity?   When was the right time?   

Enter Dr. Annie Forslund- via her website that provided me with the information that helped me make the difficult decision that it was time for Moses to be set free of his troubled body.   After reading Dr. Forslund’s website, I decided it was best to have her assistance rather than taking Moses to his veterinarian.  Although his veterinarian and her staff were wonderful and loved Moses; how to get him there, the indignity for him to be carried into the vet office and his last moments in life being outside his home, and away from his furry brother and sisters, did not seem right.   After several days I made the decision that I knew I must make and placed the call to Dr. Forslund.  When she answered I told her I needed her help and when she ask me to tell her about my situation I could not speak.  She spoke soothingly to me, in a caring and understanding tone that allowed me to regain my composure and discuss my need for her help with Moses.  The completeness of her website allowed me to review and print the forms, and make the decisions prior to her arrival.  As I met her at the door, my composure crumbled and she gave me a big hug, allowing me that time to recompose myself.    She came in and met Moses, lying on his bed in front of the French doors where he could see yard.   Dr. Forslund sat down and started talking to Moses, petting him, reassuring him, which was reassuring to me.  One by one the other furry children (two cats and another collie) came in and introduced themselves to Dr. Forslund.   I ask her if I should put the other animals in the back of the house and Dr. Forslund assured me that the other animals would be fine.  My other furry children picked spots surrounding Moses, Dr. Forslund and myself and lay down while Dr. Forslund encouraged me to tell her about Moses, his life, the things he loved, and his relationships with his furry brothers and sisters.   As we sat discussing Moses, petting him and talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and assurance that I had made the right decision for both Moses and myself.    We spent the last hour or so relaxing with Moses and enjoying a special time.   I had the opportunity to hug and pet my special boy in my own home, both of us maintaining our dignity, he relaxing in those last moments with his furry friends on his own bed.   Dr. Forslund treated Moses with special care both during and after the procedure.   Her follow up calls and emails were encouraging and helpful to me.   Although I do not look forward to the next decision regarding euthanasia for one of my remaining furry children, my spirits are buoyed by the knowledge that Dr. Forslund will help make those last moments special for my furry companion and me.  Thank you Dr. Forslund for everything.      

Frank Stevens
Santa Ana