My Dearest Family & Friends,
As I walk through these days without my sweet Booms, it is difficult. It is so hard to lose a buddy that has been in your life 24/7--365 days a year--year after year. My absolute rock, my comforter, my constant companion, truly one of the LOVES of my life.
One thing I will be forever grateful is how Boomie's journey on this earth ended. I am just encouraging you to think about what I am about to share when and if this day arises for you. Boomie leaving us happened way too soon for but if I had to do it over again, I would do it exactly the same.
The thought of having Boomie close his eyes for the very last time in a cold, sterile setting not surrounded by his familiar surroundings was almost more than I could bear. After seeing him in and out of the hospital the last 7 days of his life with us, I wanted something different for him.
I looked on-line and found a doctor named Dr. Annie Forslund of Home Pet Euthanasia of Southern California. We called her on Thursday knowing we didn't have a lot of time left. They answered the phone, asked some questions and we set an appointment for the next morning.
Booms was comfortable and his last day was like a normal day for him. He didn't "go for a ride" only to end up at the vet where he would start to shake and nervously bark. No cold, stainless steel table, no sterile environment. Please don't get me wrong. I appreciate my vet. I just am glad we could have this choice to have him peacefully fall asleep at home. Not just for Booms but for our family too.
Dr. Forslund also takes care of the rest of the arrangements if you so choose. As hard and awful as this was, it was necessary and so glad we were able to do this on our terms for our Sweet Booms. I would recommend this service to anyone who has a pet and I will.
That is why I share it with you. It made a huge difference in our lives as well as Boomie. Please let your family and friends know this is an option.Even if you aren't in So. Cal, I am sure there are services if you look on line….Bless you, your families and your beautiful furry friends. Time is a gift--may you enjoy every second together…
All my love,
Suz
Home Pet Euthanasia of So. Cal
Dr. Annie Forslund--714-454-4080
If you care to read, a lens into Boomies last 24 hours…...
Boomer made the most of every second he had. The night before the appointment, he had filet mignon for his last two meals, he had visitors (coming to say g'bye) that he was eager to welcome, play with, lick and love. Of course they were there to see HIM--welcoming them at the door with his toy, wiggling endlessly and not giving them a minute to themselves. He played tug-of-war with Brian and had a blast pulling apart his elephant. He helped himself to the pan of sausage grease that was on the counter (conveniently left toward the front so he could get it). Sammy and Ryan each had a little quiet time with him sharing their hearts….Boomie slept--on the floor, on the couch, on each of us as he would get worn out easily --his breathing labored because of his heart condition. Brian and I sat with him on the couch in the early morning hours. We were recounting the past years while we stroked his soft fur, gently rubbing him all over, looking into his eyes, telling him how much we loved him and what a good boy he was through our laughter and tremendous amount of tears. The clock ticked and each time I looked up I couldn't believe time was going so fast. Ryan and Sammy got up and we all gathered on the floor with him Booms in the center and Brian said a wonderful prayer for him. He also read "The RAINBOW Bridge" which set in a flood of emotion from all of us. We tried to make the most of our last moments--leaving the dishwasher open so Booms could "lick the plates", giving him lots of treats as food was definitely a fav. of Booms :) and telling him every second we could how amazing he was. Then with the familiar click of the gate, there was a deep slashing of my soul, feeling as though my guts were being ripped out and seriously I could feel my heart breaking. While Boomie couldn't sense any of this, he barked endlessly as the doorbell rang, he picked up his toy and greeted this woman he has never seen like an old friend. She stroked his head, smiled gently and gave us each a lingering hug. As we made our way into the kitchen for a little small talk trying to avoid the inevitable, Booms stole the show. Dr. Forslund picked up a toy and asked if we wanted the toy to go with him. Well Booms grabbed it and started a game of tug-o-war. He ripped, tore and pulled his toy apart--something he LOVED to do. She played with him for a bit and he barked and had energy like a puppy. Dr. Forslund mentioned his spirit was so large even as his body was giving way. We actually had to calm him down which was torture. We all called him over to the couch and he enthusiastically jumped up. He laid down, head up by Ryan, then Brian, Sammy and me…Dr. Forslund was on the other side of the couch. We all started petting him and quieting our voices--we each were telling him how much we loved him, how amazing he was--his tail wagging. Dr. Forslund was tending to what she needed to do speaking quietly with a few questions. Then she asked if we were ready…..Swallowing hard we all agreed through the painstaking tears…one last caress, he fell asleep peacefully for the last time to our voices telling him what a good boy he was and how much we loved him, on his couch, smelling his people, feeling the hands on his body that he knew so well and surrounded by insurmountable LOVE……
God Bless his sweet puppy soul…a puppy angel sent to us 10 years ago only to steal our hearts and never leave them the same …..
Always,
Suz & the Holte Boyz