The Little Life

One last Shiloh moment

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Today I had to say goodbye to an important family member and loyal companion. We said goodbye to our loving Basset Hound Shiloh today. Shiloh, who became blind two years ago seemed to be moving slower each day and showing signs of pain. After coming home from work yesterday and experiencing her on three ocassions sitting in front of me, whimpering for an hour at a time…I felt that she was telling me it was time for her to go. I thought that it was her time a year ago, but I contemplated whether it was the right time or not. At that time, Dr. Scott (our vet and a family friend) told me “Eden, when it is the right time you will know”. Even though when I came home today and found her in much better spirits than yesterday I still felt that it was time. So, Jase recommended that I go to the following website and read an article on dealing with the loss of a pet  http://www.griefhealing.com/article18.htm . I read the article to prepare myself on how I should talk to the kids about Shiloh dying. I also wanted it to be a family decision. So if one of the kids would not agree to let her go…then I was prepared to wait till the full house was in agreement. Jase came over and after many tears from all of us and a lot of discussion on what the right thing would be for Shiloh…the kids, each on their own…decided that they didn’t want her to be in pain anymore. Believe it or not, even though raising 3 children with special needs comes with much decision making, this was one of the most difficult decisions that I have had to make. What made it final for me was when during this discussion…Shiloh got up and walked in the middle of us and sat down as just to say…”I’m ready”.

After our decision, the kids and Jase put her on a leash and they  spent about 20 minutes walking her around the neighborhood with them. Shiloh was so happy, and seemed to get a burst of energy. It was pure joy to hear the kids laughing and actually getting to have a wonderful last memory with her. What a blessing…isn’t it? To get to actually spend  one last moment with something or someone that you have to say goodbye to. Even though there was sadness….there too was peace in watching my kids get to say goodbye and tell Shiloh how much they loved her. Only if we all had that opportunity when we lose someone we love dearly. I am grateful that they had those moments today and that Shiloh got to hear how much she means to us!

My friend Melody drove Shiloh and I to the vet this evening where I got to hold her in my arms and kiss her goodbye and tell her how grateful I was that we got to have her as our dog. During this time, Jase took the kiddos to one of their favorite places to eat to celebrate Shiloh’s life.

So to end this post I would like to send some thoughts to Shiloh in Heaven…..

Shiloh,

Thank you for loving my children unconditionally. Even through Taylor’s challenging years and trying moments you always were the first one on the scene to help her calm down and to show her that you loved her. You sat by their bedsides and laid with them on the couch during all the seizures, aches, & pains. You always knew enough patience with them, and always knew when they needed extra love that I may have not been able to give them at the time. You knew when to give them a challenge and you knew when we needed a laugh. You were there during the many surgeries, heartbreaks, & celebrations.  You will forever be in our hearts and in our family!! I hope you are running as fast as you can and chasing those flies and birds like you did when you could see! Thanks from the bottom of my heart for loving me and most of all thanks for loving my three beautiful blessings!

Until Next Time,

E

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P.S: If you haven’t seen it before…here is a video I took of Shiloh about a month ago. I hope you can see why we loved her so!

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