9/1/2000 – 12/12/2013
Some 13 years ago, a scruffy little black-and-white puppy wandered into our lives. In spite of our “better” judgment, she convinced us that she was ours, and we were hers. In return for giving her a home, “Ladybug” gave us unconditional love and joy.
On a Thursday morning last December, she let us know that it was time to say goodbye. The previous night had been especially bad, and she made it clear to us that she was just too sick and tired to go on. So we hugged her, and shed a few tears, and then called Home Pet Euthanasia and made the appointment for that afternoon.
When the doorbell rang, Ladybug didn’t even stir (like she would have in days gone by). Dr. Forslund had arrived. She came up the stairs and Ladybug got up and greeted her like they were long lost friends. She was so happy to see her that we had to remark on it. Dr. Forslund said, “She knows I’m here to help her.” And it seemed clear to us that she did.
We sat on the floor for a while and talked with the doctor while she petted Ladybug. She was very soft-spoken and gentle, both with us and with our Bug. We knew immediately that she had a kind heart, and was somehow a kindred spirit of our little girl. And was indeed an angel of mercy.
When it came time, we sat on the couch with Ladybug lying on her favorite blanket across our laps. She was very, very ready for the next phase. We feel like she knew exactly what was going to happen and was very accepting of it.
When we were all ready and had said our goodbyes, Dr. Forslund gave her a little sedative which had her snoring in a few minutes. Then she gently shaved her little leg and put in the I.V., and when we gave her the go-ahead, she sent little Ladybug to Heaven.
We felt her heart stop, but we kept holding on to her. And we cried and cried like our hearts would break. Dr. Forslund sat with us, clearly sharing our pain, and her kindly presence was soothing and comforting. Finally, wrapped in her favorite blanket, Ladybug was carried out to the doctor’s car and gently placed in a lovely little basket.
We miss her and have a big hole in our hearts, but we feel a little better each day. And we know that Ladybug is no longer in pain and is romping and playing and having a great new life in doggie Heaven.
In our experience with Dr. Forslund, it was clear that veterinary medicine isn’t her vocation, it is her calling. She bonded with Ladybug so quickly and fully, and eased her pain without causing any added stress. Letting go of our girl was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done, but we will be forever grateful to Dr. Forslund that it was a peaceful and painless passing.
Ron and Patti LaPorte
Orange