Thank you!

Many thanks to all who commented on my post about Tigger yesterday and for your kind thoughts and condolences. It meant so much to us to know there are people out there who have gone through the same thing with beloved pets and reached out in sympathy to us.

While we were waiting in the vet's surgery for the sedative to take effect on Tigger, the young receptionist whom we know well and also remembers Tigger from a previous time four years ago when he spent three weeks in "hospital" with them, came and put her arms around me a gave me a hug. 

Later as we walked out, she handed me an envelope and said I could open in in the car.  I did. It contained a poem which, while I read it, made me well up again. I thought I'd post this poem here for anyone who may be - or has been - in the same position as a pet -owner,  as we were this weekend. This may just help you to make that final decision and also console you in your sadness.

If it should be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should wake me from my sleep

Then you must do what must be done

For this last battle cannot be won

You will be sad, I understand

Don't allow your grief to stay your hand

For this day, more than all the rest

Your love and friendship will stand the test

We've had so many happy years

What is to come will hold no fears

You'd not want me to suffer, so

When the time comes, please let me go

I know in time you too will see

It's a kindness you do to me

Although my tail its last has waved

From pain and suffering I have been saved

Do not grieve that it should be you

Who has to decide this thing to do

We've been close through all these years

Don't let your heart hold any tears

(Author unknown)

One last photo of Tigger taken in September

May  you all have a wonderful day.