Dear Dr. Forslund,
We are doing a lot better. Thanks to the whole experience with you we all were able to cope well.
I cried so much the weeks beforehand and for two days after that I got it all out. The way I look at it is that we rescued Chloe as a young dog from death row and got to spend 11 1/2 beautiful years with her. She experienced the beginning of our marriage, the birth of our children and saw them grow big. Our kids learned compassion, strength and patience from her. Chloe had a buddy in Lucky (our Dal). She lived a full life and died of old age, before things got too ugly. I hope I get to do that.
Whenever I get sad, I try to remember Chloe's last few days and how unwell she was. I truly felt sorry for her and knew that there was only more misery ahead for her. The rest of our family feels the same. But when we got her paw print cast and fur clipping in the mail I did cry a little.
Our Dalmation is better. He eats alright and does not look for her, thanks to the in-home euthanasia. I read online that he takes his clues from the pack leaders (us) and that if we're depressed he will be too. So I try to leave it outside the house, although I still see her everywhere and miss her dearly.
Thanks again for making the experience the best it can be for what it is.
Susi and Family
Santa Ana