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Sweet Pea

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I never saw it coming, but then again, I never looked.

Sweet Pea was my dog, but more than that, she was family and she was my best friend . We made the most of every second together. Going for walks, playing in the snow, chasing cattle, relaxing in the tall grass as we watched the clouds pass over. She was a good friend in a time when friends were all too few. There was a time I dreaded the thought of living without her one day, but instead of fearing that day, I resolved to enjoy what time with her I had....



...then it happened....



Sweet Pea had trouble walking a while back, and her hind right leg became swollen. I noticed a sudden growth on her stomach....I knew what it was, but I was afraid to admit it to myself. We went to see the vet as soon as we could. The vet confirmed what I feared...it was cancer, and it was too advanced to operate.

My heart sank when the word euthenasia was brought up.

Sweet Pea was healthy enough that we could spend a few last days together. As sad I was at the fact that she would have to be put down, I put those feelings aside to make her last few days as pleasant as possible. She still enjoyed going for walks, in spite of her leg's condition. I fed her extra treats and even shared a few of my meals with her. It seemed somedays like she was improving, but one day, she lost her appetite and couldn't climb the patio stairs anymore. Seeing that made me feel depressed, as I knew what was coming. What I had to do.

By the time I woke up that morning, she couldn't even stand on her own anymore. Taking her to the vet for what was to be her last few remaining moments of life was the second hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. the first was staying with her as she was put to sleep. But as much as I hated being there to see it, I knew I had to, so that a friendly face would be the last thing she sees.


It took only a minute...


As I watched the life drain from her eyes, I forced myself to smile, to let her know that she didn't need to worry about me anymore, and that she could pass on in peace.


She's at peace now. Buried in the place she knows as her home, with family.


I would never be the same for knowing her, and my life will be very different from now on. I don't have any feelings of dread anymore. It will hurt for a while, but I can take solace knowing that she lived a long, rich life...always happy, even 'til the end. The vet gave her a week when she was diagnosed, but she carried on for almost a month.


It will be difficult facing the world without her, but I can, because I have to...to live as happily as I can is the best way I can think of to honor her memory.

This will be the second best way. a series of sketches and photos highlighting some of the best times of her life. I had hoped to add more than this, but I can't right now. I'll do my best to add more when I can.
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RedRoronoa's avatar
I cried..
Man I lost my dog last year and it still hurts, but at least they're not in pain anymore. I bet your Sweet Pea had a rich life, 16 years is a long time for a dog and I bet each and every moment was spent happily with you.