Our dear, dear pooch died in our arms yesterday, January 3, 2008. We brought him in to the clinic that had been lovingly treating him for his lymphoma. It was with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we concluded that it was time for Bandit’s suffering to end. I can’t begin to tell you the pain his loss is causing us both. He was an absolutely wonderful, loving, gentle soul in the body of a sweet, soft, cuddly, warm dog.
Bandit had spent December 30, 31, January 1 and the better part of January 2 in the hospital. We knew we wanted to and had to bring him home to give him at least a night at home in his own bed with all of his own things around him and with us cuddling him and loving him. He was so happy to get into the truck and to come home. He just wanted to go right upstairs to bed. That dog loved his (our) bed. Denver seemed to know that this was the end of his journey and laid on the bed with him. We spent the morning together, lying in bed and cuddling. Bandit had decided he wanted to go for one last walk in the neighbourhood, so I put his coat on him and took him out. Ross came with us and we walked over to the school just down the street. Afterwards, we brought him home and bundled him up in blankets to warm him up. For Ross, the hardest part was getting into the truck to go. On our way to the clinic, we dropped by High Park to fulfill Ross’s last wish with Bandit. We had a lovely little walk in the park and took some last pictures with our beloved pooch.
In the clinic, the staff were all very sad to see that it was time for the suffering to end. They have a lovely family room there with couches and dim lighting. Bandit’s favourite nurse J.P. came in with a comforter and made a cozy bed. We brought Bandit’s favourite blankets with us too. We both laid on the floor, cradling him. Bandit went very peacefully and very quickly in our arms.
Many people have supported us, comforted us and prayed for us along this journey and for that we are deeply grateful. For me, now, comes the hard part - getting used to being without him. He filled our lives with so much joy and love and we are missing him terribly.
Bless you, poochy poo. Mommy misses you.