Hi everyone. This might be a topic many of us avoid because it reminds us of the loss of those loved ones who shared our lives, whether for a long time or just a brief moment. Among the many stories and tributes to our "fur babies", I wanted to share one more, along with a few suggestions. I had a rescue crossbreed named Venus. She had been saved from a rubbish dump and was nothing but skin and bone when she first arrived. Even so, we saw her through eyes of love and cared for her like a baby. We didn't care about the neighbour's comments regarding how thin she looked; to us, she was the best gift that ever came into our home. Time passed, and we shared many trips and beautiful moments. There were times she'd make us cross because she was so disobedient, but we always made her part of the family, and she eventually became the most well-behaved girl we could have ever wished for. By the time she was twelve, she looked like a little round ball of pudge on legs. We decided to put her on a diet, and just a few months later she started losing a lot of weight. We thought it was the diet until she went back to looking like she did when we first adopted her—bones showing but with a swollen tummy. When we took her for a check-up, the vet found a mass in her stomach. We were all hoping it was just stuck food or something minor, but unfortunately, after several tests, we got the news that shattered our family: it was spleen cancer that had metastasised to her liver, kidneys, and possibly her lungs. How did all that happen in just a few months? Our grieving process started right then. We never heard her complain; she was always active, especially when we were eating, waiting for a scrap with those big, glassy eyes. she always enjoyed our trips, rolling around happily in the grass at the farm. We never saw it coming—the thing that would take our loved one away. It was a very painful and sad week because we knew the tragic outcome; it was a choice between leaving her until her system collapsed or giving her a dignified end. In the end, we didn't think of our own selfishness but of Venus's welfare. We didn't want to see her suffer any longer; we wanted her to have peace. Here is my suggestion: we know they can't talk to us, which makes it harder to know how they really are. That’s why I want to highlight the importance of regular vet check-ups to rule out illnesses. Perhaps if we had done this, our girl might still be with us today. Maybe, we don't know. We shouldn't regret what wasn't done, but rather learn from it for our future pets—that’s what makes the difference. When the time came to say goodbye, we wanted to do it at home in her quiet place. We all hugged her with so much love; we were all there to keep her company one last time and thank her for the companionship she gave us. At first, she looked confused and a bit scared to see so many people gathered around crying, but minutes later she understood it was a goodbye. I could feel it in my heart because she started going to each of us, one by one, so we could stroke her one last time. We couldn't handle the pain; it's something that breaks you inexplicably, but that’s how it has to be—trying to act tough only destroys you more inside. We all hugged her together while she was being sedated so that her last sensation would be her family, those who loved her, the warmth of our embrace, and our words of thanks until her loving little heart stopped beating. I won't deny that tears are falling as I write this, but they aren't tears of pain; they are tears of gratitude and joy because I got to experience the beautiful feeling of unconditional love from such a wonderful creature. They don't need words to show us how they feel. Even in her pain and illness, she was the sweetest, most well-behaved girl until her very last second. My final suggestion is this: when you have to put your pets to sleep, do it at home. Don't take them to a place that will cause them more stress, confusion, and fear. Stay with them every moment. They can feel you even when they are drifting off. Don't leave them alone; don't abandon them after all the love they've given you. Perhaps then the pain of their passing won't be filled with guilt or helplessness, but with beautiful memories right up until the final second of their lives... Thank you so much if you've read this far. Wherever you are, Venus, we will never forget you.
Juan Manuel Pérez
Medellín - Colombia
