#533: Goodbye Thumper

Having to say goodbye to a beloved pet one time is difficult. Twice in 11 days is unbearable.

Recently, I wrote about saying goodbye to one of my dogs, Little Girl, that developed such severe arthritis in her rear hips that she couldn't walk.

Two days ago, my other dog, Thumper, developed the same problem and also couldn't walk. I took her to see Kelley Cole DVM, who treated Little Girl, of Underhill Animal Hospital in Orlando. X-rays confirmed an arthritic right rear hip. Injections were tried but that night and yesterday morning Thumper couldn't stand without whimpering in pain, even with my help. We returned to the vet's and met with Karla Brown DVM, who tried additional medications. But last night and through today, Thumper still couldn't walk.

Today we met again with Ms. Brown and after talking with her I made the always emotional decision that it was best for Thumper for me to also say goodbye to her and send her across the Rainbow Bridge to join Little Girl, Baby the boxer, and all of the other dogs and cats that have found their way to my home and into my heart.

Thumper came to me on July 4, 2007, two years after Baby. She was wet, dirty, skinny, and scared of the loud fireworks I had been outside watching in the neighborhood. I gave her a bath, food and water, and made her a bed of soft blankets next to Baby. From that first night the two of them became close friends. Thumper moped when Baby left us two years ago, just as she did when Little Girl wasn't around for Thumper to play with.

I set an appointment for two days after I took Thumper in for Doctor Cole to check an infection on one of Thumper's legs. A few minutes before we left a call from the vet's office informed me that Ms. Cole didn't work on rabbits . When I asked why they were calling me the reply was because I was bringing in Thumper, which they assumed was a rabbit. I explained that I thought it was clear when the appointment was made that Thumper was a dog. When we arrived and the staff were all making nice to her, Thumper's long tail pounded against the counter wall in happiness going thump, thump, thump. That made them smile and explained the name she was given.

Thumper enjoyed car rides , getting her nightly doggie treats, hugs , and her head scratched. She loved going for walks. All I had to say was, "Walkabout?" and she would strain at her leash to check out the new smells around the block.

So, twice in 11 days the tough decision was made. Even with three cats the house seems empty. I am mentally exhausted and emotionally drained but filled with happy memories of the strays that have given me their unconditional love and the happy memories of our time together, memories that will last a lifetime.