Dear Dr. Forslund,
Thank you so very much for the courageous service you provide. Being a vet is hard enough, but going to someone’s home and helping a family get through something like this is beyond brave, and I commend you for it. I’m not sure I’d have the fortitude you showed last night as you held my hand while I bawled like a father losing a child. Words cannot express how grateful I am that Dolly was able to lie on my lap, eating turkey slices when you finally put her to sleep. She must have been so happy in her final moments, not scared at all like when she has to go to the vet’s office. I will be recommending you to anyone who is in similar circumstances, such that their pets may depart under the best possible circumstances.
Again, our deepest thanks…
Gus Chyba
Newport Beach
Dolly
A dog I know has owned my heart
And now I feel so torn apart
Fourteen years she ruled the floor
And now she warms my feet no more
Our precious Spaniel, my Dolly-doo
My gentle Cocker, our snuggle poo
Those big round eyes, that sad old face
Of mirth or anger not a trace
When we would walk around the block
Her coat looked like a silken frock
I’d tell people to beware
Be scared of teeth she’d never bear
And then they’d laugh for she’s too sweet
Bend down to kiss her and to meet
The nicest dog in the whole world
That was our little Dolly girl
Her merry gait came through the door
And oh at night she loved to snore
When any person she would sight
Her tail would wag with pure delight
Back when she could hear she loved to howl
Make an O with her floppy jowl
Part dog, part wolf, out in the wild
Made us all laugh just like a child
She loved to go out on the boat
A tiny person in her fur coat
She’d jump over to chase a seal
Thinking it would make a tasty meal
Were we hers, or was she mine?
That’s the part that blurs the line
When a dog takes up a big part
Of your life and of your heart
So now she’s old and in such pain
She hides it well, but all in vain
Her soul has run out of it’s lease
So we must do what brings her peace
And as she sits here in our lap
Prepares to take a final nap
I see the love deep in her eye
I try so hard just not to cry
My furry child today shall die
I try so hard just not to cry
Forever in my heart she’ll lie
I feel like I just want to die
I try so hard just not to cry
And when it’s time to say goodbye
I know her soul will touch the sky
I try so hard just not to cry
I feel for months I’ll surely cry
I feel for years I’ll surely cry
