Monday, February 08, 2010

The Late Jesker.

I called the vet this morning at 8 o'clock and told him that Jesker was not doing well at all and that I thought the time had come to put him to sleep. We agreed that I would bring him in at 9 o'clock and I called my sister to let her know. After that I spend some time in silent communication with Jesker who was merely sleeping and breathing very rapidly.

When the time came to go, I woke him up and put his leash on and luckily he reacted to that and got up and walked to my sister's car unaided. I picked him up and put him in the back and he didn't make a sound.

When we got to the vet, he was very subdued and he laid down in the middle of the examining room as if he was completely worn out. The vet said that he could see that there was no discussion necessary about if this was the right time for him to be put to sleep. That it was obvious that it was.

I sat beside Jesker and my sister sat at the other side and the vet gave him an injection to make him fall asleep before he could give him the narcotic that would end his life. We had to wait about 10 minutes for it to take effect. I petted Jesker and talked to him and talked to the vet and my sister. It was all very peaceful and not the least bit anxiety ridden.

After 10 minutes the vet came to lay Jesker on his side so he could give him the final injection and imagine our surprise when Jesker at that very moment shuddered and died. Just like that from the sleep medication only. The vet said that he rarely saw that happen and that Jesker must have been in bad shape for it to have happened at all.

I cried and kissed him goodbye a dozen times and then finished my business with the vet. We left with one last good look at Jesker and nearly dry eyes.

It wasn't horrible at all. It was a good thing, because obviously Jesker had been very sick and had been suffering. He had been a stoic dog all along. I'm not going to cry about it anymore, because Jesker is in a better place now where he is not in pain and where he can breathe freely. Someone told me that all dogs go to heaven and as far as I'm concerned that's where he is.

It was strange to come home with his collar and leash and not have him be there, but Tyke was there and the cats were and that made up for a lot. Tyke was so enthused that I was home, he was beside himself. The cats were their usual aloof selves, although Tyke and Gandhi are now playing. They get along very well.

Jesker died at about 10 minutes after nine o'clock Amsterdam time, so if you noticed anything unusual, you know what that was all about.

Ciao...

26 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I believe Jesker is in heaven so he is definitely at peace and well. Bless your heart.

FlowerLady

VioletSky said...

I feel for you. As you say, Jesker was probably ready to go and how nice for him that he had you and your sister by his side.

Chrissie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Nora, I've been there and know it's like losing a member of your family. It is clear though that you did the right thing for him, and saved him from suffering; also that if he had to go, he was probably more comfortable and happier to have you sitting there with him, talking to him and stroking him as he went.

CorvusCorax12 said...

i believe all dogs go to heaven too...sending you all my love ♥

Gail said...

I think I knew. I am so sorry, it is never easy, but you were with him and that made his journey easier. This was the right thing.
We shall miss you, Jesker.

Anonymous said...

It's very sad but kind at the same time. You obviously loved Jesker very very much.

God Bless, CJ xx

laurie said...

i am so sorry. i remember the peace i felt when toby died--finally, he could breathe. but there was deep grief as well. you may cry again. it's normal.

i'm glad tyke is there, and i am so sorry, irene. it sounds like a very peaceful end, at exactly the right time. you couldn't have chosen better.

Babaloo said...

Jesker is definitely in dog heaven now. You gave him a good life and he knew that for sure!

Big hug!
xxx

Maureen said...

And I woke up in the middle of the night thinking of you and Jesker; wondering if today was the day.

I am so sorry. But I am so glad it was peaceful and that he isn't suffering any longer.

He was a lucky dog to have had you to share his life with.

Friend of the Bear said...

Hi Nora. It was obviously the right thing to do. I feel for you very much. I've cried some tears for Jesker myself. I know so much what it is like.

Much love,
Bearfriend XXXX

Wisewebwoman said...

Deepest sympathy on your loss, dear GSW but brava for making such a courageous and timely decision for Jesker, he was lucky to have you as his friend who did the right thing by him.
I'm so very glad he was able to take his last wee walk with dignity.
I am crying as I write, I've gone through this more than a few times and it always hurts.
XO
WWW & Ansa.

Marian Dean said...

I love the way you have told this, I am in tears now as I have been following your posts. My little old lady Molly will have to be put to sleep soon, the end is drawing near... I keep hanging on as she is so lovely. I am sure she will guide me when she has had enough.
Love Granny

Debi said...

There is a lot to be said for a dignified death. I'm glad Jesker had that. My thoughts are with you, him, and all the love that continues in your circle of living things.

Elaine Denning said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Jesker was a beautiful dog and I am sure you have so many memories of your time together which you will cherish forever. Perhaps in time, you'd like to share some of them with us.

I too am writing this with tears in my eyes....our family dog, Pepe, was a blue roan cocker spaniel and we had to have him put to sleep when life became too difficult for him. I understand how you must feel but know that you certainly chose the right time. I have a feeling that Jesker made the ending a lit easier for you.

God bless, Jesker, and you too. xx

Breakfast in California said...

So sorry it has come to this, but I'm glad you were able to help him find peace at last. I hope you are comforted by the fact that he died on his own. Tears may catch you unawares, but that's normal. Hugs to you.

Maggie May said...

Poor Jesker. I believe you did the right thing.I'm sure it was a happy release for him.
I've been there so many times and I really feel for you.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

aims said...

You know how I feel my friend.

Thinking of you.

Goodbye sweet Jesker.

Lucky Dip Lisa said...

Sad to hear you news today Irene. I know he was a treasured companion of yours. Atleast,as you said, he is no longer in pain and you were able to say goodbye. You are very brave and very kind to have loved him as you did.

Lane Mathias said...

I'm so sorry to read this Irene. It's heartbreaking but I'm glad it was peaceful for him. And I'm glad you have Tyke.

I'm sure all dogs go to heaven and heaven got a sweet soul joining them today.

softinthehead said...

Nora my thoughts are with you - RIP Jesker

anon said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Its hard to lose the furry family members, but I'm glad Jesker went so peacefully into the next phase.

Big hug.

Explicably Mom said...

Aww, sending you big hugs from myself and the minions!!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure Jesker is running and barking and having himself a wonderful time in dog heaven - and I'm equally convinced that he loved you so much that he made his passing as easy as possible for you. I know you'll treasure your memories of him. Thank you for sharing him with your readers. We won't forget him either. xoxo

Elaine Denning said...

Thinking of you. x

CorvusCorax12 said...

thinking of you today

lebanesa said...

big hugs to you