A Death In The Family

My family recently lost our Black Lab, Coco. Her bladder ruptured after an infection, or possible blockage, had gone on too long. We had taken her to the vet and she was on antibiotics, but the Vet failed to diagnose that her bladder had expanded to the size of her abdomen, which could have been spotted in a simple x-ray. She was about to turn 8. Just thirteen months before this, our German Shepherd Margot died of cancer, and a few years before that, our Terrier mix Joey died of old age. We still have our cat Hamlet and our Chihuahua Domino.

Now I am living in fear of the next tragedy. Hamlet is 13 or 14, and I am consumed with the impending doom of his passing. My daughter will be devastated, even more so than when our previous pets died. Hamlet is her cat and she is so very close to him. As a parent, one of the worst feelings you can have is not being able to console your child. I can't say, "everything will be alright" or "it will be better in the morning." This is death. And to animal lovers (and vegetarians) like ourselves, the impact is just as great as it would be if a family member had died.

At the emergency vet with Coco, the staff had to advise us before each procedure what the cost would be. I realize they are required to do this because they need their money to keep the facility running, but I found myself comparing the situation to a human who is ill. Does the doctor ask you if you can afford to save a life? Is that the first area of concern?  Vets will never "bill you." You have to decide then and there if your pet's life is worth the money. Coco ended up dying on her own, and afterward, we were given options as to what to do with her body. After each option was presented, the dollar amount came after. Cremation costs this, and if you want her ashes, it will cost this, or if you want her buried it will cost this. We were all in a  state of shock and mourning, and it was not the right time to hear a price being put on your friend's life. Again, I know this is standard procedure, but it doesn't make it any easier to bear.

Animals have always been my best friends. If I were able, I would buy a huge farm and take in all the strays and shelter animals in the world. They are God's creatures, just like us, and when I hear of people hunting them or hurting them, I become deeply saddened. I wish they lived as long as humans did.