Buddy

Losing a pet is difficult. Actually, it is very difficult. I never thought that losing Buddy would be so hard. That was until it came time that he needed to be put down.

Buddy was fourteen and a half years old in human years. I’m not sure what that is in dog years, but I am pretty sure he was around ninety. I hear that most dogs don’t make it past twelve years old. I was in elementary school when we got him, and now I am a young adult. He was with me for more than half of my life. The thought of not having him around was unimaginable.

On January 4, 2012, Buddy stopped eating and was looking at everyone with this terribly sad look as if to say, “Please, help me. I don’t feel well.” It was hard to see him like that. We talked about it as a family, and decided that if he did not improve the next day, that we would take him to the vet. On January 5, 2012, Buddy was not any better. He was looking worse and refused to eat anything. He would not even eat his snacks and he always ate his snacks.

We decided that that day was the day. We drove to the vet in silence. Buddy wouldn’t sit or rest. He was uncomfortable and knew something was up. Never before had three people taken him to the vet before. We went in and talked with the vet, tears streaming down our face. She agreed that putting Buddy down was the best choice. It was hard to do, but we did it. My Mom, Dad and I were with him when he went. It was good to see that he did not suffer and went peacefully. It was the only comfort that we had in the situation.

I keep trying to think that Buddy had a good, long life and that it was his time. That helps some too. But, I still miss him. I look for him when I drop food, but he doesn’t come to eat it up. I look for him to come running when I come inside, but he isn’t there. I look for him when I go outside a night, so that he can protect me, but he is no longer here to protect me and provide comfort.

Before he passed, I never thought that I would miss him or that I would even cry when he was gone. I didn’t realize how important he was to me, until now. I miss him dearly and he was such a great dog.

Now, I will value the life of my new puppy, Chucky (short for Chuck Norris), even more. I will be sure to enjoy those little moments like taking walks together or when he is there to comfort me while I cry.