I haven’t posted in a bit, but a lot has gone on.

On Thursday, August 10, I lost my companion of 12+ years, Blondie. Blondie had been deteriorating for the last 6 months or so, and recently, her decline had quickened. Blondie has arthritis in her hips which was causing major issues with her mobility and also causing pain. She was on anti inflammatory medication, but I’m not sure how much it actually helped. She was also on a newly approved injection that had been used for years in Europe, but it didn’t seem to provide the relief I was hoping it would. Blondie was also diagnosed with canine dementia and this caused her to regularly be confused and disoriented. She’d wander around the house, aimlessly and endlessly, only laying down once she was exhausted. She no longer enjoyed the activities that used to bring her joy. She would regularly refuse to go for walks, one of her favourite things to do. I used to think that Twix was a stubborn dog. Blondie became far more stubborn than Twix ever was. Hera and Twix both showed a ton of patience with Blondie and never once showed anything but complete love for their big sister.

This past week, I started to realize and accept that Blondie’s time was nearly up. For those of you who have and love dogs, you know that it’s the hardest decision that one makes for their dog, but it’s one made out of love.

I talked to her primary vet on Wednesday evening and described what was happening with Blondie over the past few months. He agreed with me that it might be time and I was scheduled to bring her in on Thursday morning.

A good friend and neighbour of mine volunteered to join me on my trip to Calgary, and I’m eternally thankful that she did. She was very helpful.

Blondie, Hera, Twix, Sasha and I headed out at 8am on Thursday morning. We stopped at what was one of the dogs favourite parks when we lived in Calgary. It was tough getting Blondie out of the truck, going for walks was no longer one of her favourite things to do, but I got her out and we had a great last walk.

Hera and Twix were excited to be there, Blondie accepted it, I guess. We walked towards the river along one of the many paths. Blondie would stop and greet the other dogs she’d pass, but she’d often get confused and follow another dog owner instead of me and the pack. She ended up at the river and I let Hera off her leash so she could splash around. I was surprised when Blondie headed to the river as well.

The hard part was getting back up the embankment. I tried to lead Blondie up where the slope was gentle, nope, slopes were not on the agenda for the day. I carried Blondie up to the top and set her down, thankfully, she doesn’t mind being picked up. She rested for a good 10 minutes before she was ready to head back to the truck.

Along the way, a guy with 3 uncontrolled dogs made an appearance. I suppose there’s always some jerk with no control of his dogs. One of them wanted to get aggressive with Blondie. Twix had none of it and literally got between them and body checked the other dog away from Blondie, such a good little sister. Hera was on leash, otherwise I’m sure she would have joined in.

We returned to the truck and headed to the vet. I had trouble getting Blondie out of the truck in what would be her last truck ride. We went into the normal examination room that the dogs have been going to since the new clinic opened.

Hera laid with Blondie for a good 10 minutes, something she never did and Twix gave Blondie numerous kisses, something she often did. Dogs are smarter than we think, and I think they knew exactly what was happening.

We all said our goodbyes. Blondie was given a sedative, which, thankfully, allowed her to sleep, she was quietly snoring and her eyes were closed. I was glad for that, because when Zeus was put down, his eyes were open and it was a ghostly, blank stare.

Blondie passed peacefully with the 3 of us at her side and me giving her gentle ear rubs, one of her favourite things.

It was hard saying goodbye, but I know it was the right thing to do and it was the right time to do it. Blondie was my best friend for over 12 years, she followed me on my move from Ontario to Calgary, was there in the ups and the downs, gave me countless kisses and gave me unconditional love.

She was only here for part of my life, but I’ll remember her fondly for the rest of mine.

Hera, Twix and I are getting better. It’ll get easier each day, that, I know from experience. Hera is a bit depressed, I can tell, she’s moping about the house. Twix is a bit down as well, she’s sleeping more than usual. I’m glad I have these two for support, they are my rocks and I love them to pieces.

Until we possibly meet again Blondie, rest in peace, sweet girl.