Almost fifteen years ago, we brought home an eight week old Bischon puppy from a lady who did not want him because he was not playful enough. Barely the size of my palm, the little pup was scared of the big world around him.
We brought him home, and Rohini took over the role of his Mom, loving him and raising him, as one would a child. Oliver grew up with our children over those years. As the kids left for college and moved on to live their own lives, age finally caught up with Ollie.
Time has taken its toll on his old bones, as it does with all of us. Almost a hundred years old — in people years — Ollie has a degenerative condition in his legs. We now face the unfathomable decision that is not easy for anyone. Ollie struggles to get up, his loud bark now a mere whimper. His ‘Mom’ often carrying him out to the yard, and caring for him with compassion and a gentle kindness, that is heart warming.
I call him ‘hobble sticks’ as he walks slowly, with me, in the neighborhood. I know his time is limited, but we don’t just put a dog down because he is old. Yet, we must put his needs before ours, and never let him suffer. He still has his spirit, and his ‘Mom’ and I will love him till he walks across the rainbow bridge……
About Hemant Rustogi