Good-byes are so hard ~ Samson has transitioned

My sweet partner in light, Samson, has transitioned.

I’m deeply grateful for the almost 13 years we had together. And it was time. He made that part so clear, thank goodness.

Sam was diagnosed with geriatric laryngeal paralysis in late Dec.  He had been losing more control of his back legs since Summer and the two conditions are related. He’s been on daily meds to help him be his best Samson.

The laryngeal paralysis can cause them to no longer get air into their lungs, scary stuff.

He was helped with steroids in the past 2 weeks and we were hopeful. On Tuesday they seemed to be helping less and he had labored breathing, with a sort of snoring sound more often again, but not just when sleeping.

His last day in his sweet Samson bodysuit (Thursday) he was having another good day; went on a walk with Jeff, hung out with both of us, enjoyed his meals and his usual mid-morning treat, chewed his favorite chew toys and bones. All of his functioning was good for a senior doggie. It was a very typical day for him.

Then at about 7pm he came into my home office with the most distressed breathing we’ve seen in him, definitely asking for my help.  Georgia, Jeff and I took him to the ER vet right away.  He went downhill fast while we were there.  We quickly went from talking about procedures and new meds to recognizing that he was in no condition to even be brought home.  The vet was great, very compassionate, and clear that he was shutting down.  It was time.  We got V on the phone so she could know what was going on, letting her know we would say good bye for her.

His body was just done. I wasn’t, but it isn’t up to me.

We said our good bye’s, the three of us petting him, comforting him, kissing him, holding him, telling him how much we love him and how grateful we are for him being in our lives these wonderful years together.  And then he went to sleep, surrounded in love, knowing how precious he is and will always be.

For us, Samson was the best boy.

We are still together in our hearts and I’m interacting with him often. I’m so glad to know he isn’t in any pain or discomfort, and no longer needs twice daily pain medication and the other meds that were helping him in his senior years. I love that on his last day he was doing his favorite things, and then he was just done.  Feeling so blessed, and of course, incredibly heart broken, too.

For any of you that have lost a furry family member, I love the vision that our sweeties are playing together and having a joyful romp.

And in our hearts, there they are, filling us with love, reminding us that there is a range of ourselves where we never have to say these incredibly hard good-byes.

Sending love, hugs (and extra lovies),
Jill