Back in the days when I was a Veterinary nurse, it was always difficult to see pets being put to sleep – to end a pet’s life that suffers from terminal illness or severe injuries.
Deeply sadden, we usually send out a card with this little poem to hope owners would able to find comfort from griefs:
THE LAST BATTLE
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend.
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been savd.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
~Author Unknown
You can also find more Poems alike here:
http://www.recover-from-grief.com/loss-of-a-pet-poem.html
For Lucky the Shih Tzu
Recently, my best friend’s dog, Lucky, suffered from a very serious illness and his health declined everyday. There are so many great moments and Lucky is so attached with my friend, his family and myself, it is rather difficult to accept that there will be a day saying goodbye to him.
While no decision made yet, a quick flashback from my days working at the clinic reminds me of this poem. I hope owners will be able to feel a sense of closure from these words.
Update:
Lucky suffered from lymph node cancer, weight dropped severely and lost appetite in late 2014. With much suffer from cancer, he was put to sleep in late October and was eighteen. He had a happy life – arrived Humphrey’s home as a stray dog and immediately adored by Humphrey’s father and grandparents. He witnessed Humphrey’s high school, university years and lately the wedding of Humphrey. I received him one time while I was a nurse at the veterinary clinic some ten years ago for health check, he was always strong and healthy.
He will be missed dearly.