Dear Jack,
My girl is having a bit of a rough time, her hind end is getting weaker and she fell this morning when she went outside. I emailed my communicator. My communicator suggested I start to prepare myself. It's funny, anyone else I talk to seems to think I shouldn't feel that her time may come soon. I know you understand that I won't ever let her suffer a day and I think it's because we see the bigger picture.
Your communicator is right. I’m so sorry that this is creeping up on you. It has a way of doing that. I know you are very bonded to each other. I’m very glad she is not in pain. That said, I hope the two of you can take some time together, focus; talk to her, listen to her. She will tell you what to do and when. You will feel it in your heart. I know that you have what it takes. You will do the right thing because when you love the way you do, you always do the right thing.
Love, Jack
Credits:
About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader writes that their girl is having a rough time, with a weakening hind end and a fall that morning, and that their communicator suggested they begin to prepare. They add that other people seem to think they should not be feeling this way. Jack's reply is gentle and encouraging.
What Jack encourages
Jack acknowledges how quickly this stage can creep up and how closely bonded the reader and their pet are. He hopes the two of them can take time together, with the reader talking to her and listening, and trusts that the reader will feel what to do in their heart. He reassures them that when you love this way, you will do the right thing.
If your pet is slowing down
Weakness in the back legs and falls are worth a conversation with your veterinarian, who can advise on comfort and mobility. Preparing emotionally for the future is not giving up; it is a way of making sure your pet has your full attention while they are still with you.
