After recognizing that we needed to let Katie go, we made the call first thing Monday morning. The vet's office was able to work us in during the morning. During our phone call it was suggested that we bring Sydney and possibly Cocoa. This was something we just had not considered, but we did choose to take Sydney with us. Sydney has been there for Katie since the beginning, and it just seemed appropriate she have the opportunity to understand what had happened.
Our arrival at the vet's office had us quickly surrendering Katie to have a catheter inserted. As we walked around the building to a room downstairs, Christian and I were both in shock. We just could not believe this was happening. The room we waited in was comfortable. Sydney sniffed the room from one end to the other. When they brought Katie, it was devastating to watch her come in bouncing with her nub wiggling as fast as it could go. We got to spend a few minutes together, and during that time I know that it took every ounce of willpower we both had not to pick her up and walk out the door.
The doctor came in and talked to us about the process. We were able to choose whether Sydney stayed or came back after the fact. Based on the doctor's recommendations, we chose to have Sydney come back after Katie was gone. He walked her out to a different room, leaving the door cracked just a little. Katie, always wanting to be where Sydney was, made a mad dash to follow. This was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I went to retrieve her, and now that little girl chasing her sister is emblazoned in my mind forever. In many ways, that is exactly what should have happened.
Christian chose to hold Katie during the injection. If he hadn't, I would have. She deserved to know that she was loved to the very end. She definitely loved us to the very end, and she was even giving Christian kisses until she took her last breath. A last breath that came too quickly. They tell you it will be fast once they start administering the injection, but quick does not even begin to cover it. One second she is kissing Christian, and the next I see her whole body relax.
After a few minutes, I took my sweet girl from Christian and placed her on the floor for Sydney to see and sniff. Seeing her lifeless form will haunt me for a long time to come, but it was a relief that she was no longer in pain. In fact, for the first time that morning, it was obvious that she didn't want to be touched. That was a sure sign that she was in pain.
Sydney came in and sniffed Katie for about three seconds. Most people will probably say we are crazy, but there was something about Sydney's eyes that let us know that she recognized that Katie was gone. Sydney then began to sniff the room but came back to Katie. After another sniff, we decided it was time to go. Kissing my girl for the last time, we left to come home.
Jack (the cat) and Cocoa (our other dog) sniffed Sydney all over upon our arrival home. Our house felt empty and still does. How is that possible with three other pets? Everyone in our house has been subdued since Monday. I think the others know we are sad and are just responding to that. While I felt Katie's loss all day that first day, nothing brought it home like reaching down to pet her while she lay beside me only to discover it was Cocoa. It is going to take some time to break myself from looking for her or picking up her food bowl at dinner time.
Katie Bug, thank you for the love, companionship, and joy you brought us.....
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