Ann Haertel

I wrote in March about my precious dog, Simba. He has been so resilient, bouncing back from the first time he got sick and then again after getting stuck between the air conditioner pad and the cement. Saturday night, June 27th however, he somehow fell into the water fountain on the patio. It didn't have any water in it, but Simba couldn't get out. I eased him out and on to the ground. That night and all day Sunday, he was unable to move. I gave him water by using a spray bottle and holding a dish close to his mouth and literally laying his snout in it. I hand fed him tuna fish and made a liquid out of dog food and water that I squirted into his mouth with a baster. He tried from time to time to get up, but just didn't have the strength. I kept telling him it was okay to let go but he just kept hanging on. Monday, June 29, I called the vet and we took him down and had him put to sleep. Josh and I got to spend some good time with him in the room, stroking his nose and reminiscing about the good times we had with him, and yes, shedding a lot of tears. The staff put a catheter in his leg and the vet came in and gave him the medicine. In about a minute, he was finally asleep for good. It's been hard, and yet it is also a huge relief. He was after all, 17 years old. I have a very special place in my heart for Simba. May he rest in peace.