Today, at 8 AM, I woke up to the sound of rain and thunder in the nearby mountains. My father and I went outside to find a heavy rain had started. My dog, Buzz, a thirteen year old Rottweiler/Doberman, lay near his food and water, his hips and legs mostly broken from advanced arthritis. We pleaded for him to stand, but his legs would neither support him nor pay any attention to him. We resorted to dragging him most of the way through our garage. After several attempts at biting us, my father was forced to muzzle the old dog. He had witness our other dog, Hershey, enter the garage on our command and never return. We had given her away many years ago. Buzz had assumed she were dead or something, so going that direction wasn't an option. My dad and I carried him into the back of our truck, with much whining from old Buzz. After a short trip to our local vets with me in the back comforting him, Buzz was pulled onto a stretcher provided by the Vets. They replaced our muzzle with one of their own. It looked so uncomfortable to me. Upon placing him on the table, I gave my last goodbyes to Buzz and pet him as he looked at me.
Although we did the right thing, I feel most bad about the situation. Not that we had him put down, but that there was nothing I could do about his obvious fear. Buzz knew what we were doing, but his body was too weak and broken to allow escape. He was an old dog. He was a good dog. I loved him, and I hope if anything his fear was replaced before his death with the knowledge that we did what we had to to help him. I wish I could have done something to stop the fear. But he had never liked leaving the backyard. He felt best there and I wish the Vets could have come to us to do the operation.
I place this here to bid my friend goodbye. I'm sorry, Buzz. And I will miss you dearly. And for those here, send him your best. I am sad he had to go, but there was no more life for him here anymore. Goodbye Buzz.
Buzz - R.I.P. - 1999-2012
