Samantha: Jan 14, 1999 - Jun 3, 2010Well, yesterday was the day. We finally had to set our little girl free. Her lymphoma had returned and was causing her difficulty breathing. Though she still wagged her tail, ate her meals and snacks, and wanted her ears rubbed, it was time.
Through the great kindness of my friends at work, I was able to spend the day with her. It was the first sunny day in Seattle in a very long time. We laid on the deck and let ourselves get warmed. The chickens roamed and clucked. Hummingbirds flitted and chirped. Neighbors mowed, and workers hammered. I gazed at the clouds and thanked the universe for the 4,056 days I had the privilege of sharing with this gentle, beautiful creature.
Samantha had been mostly unable to stand on her own for a couple of days due to weakness and the sedation we were giving her to keep her breathing relaxed. I left her sunning on her bed so she could enjoy that wonderful comfort that comes from the sun heating your skin (or fur) on a cool day and so that I might clean the house a bit and create some kind of mood for her passing. A few minutes after coming inside I heard her collar jingle...in typical Samantha form, she had gotten herself up and staggered in the house. She collapsed on the rug, droopy-eyed and panting, her back legs splayed out underneath her, wanting nothing more than to be in the same room with me. In than enigmatic way that humans can simultaneously feel great happiness and sorrow, I laid down next to her, smiling and sobbing.
A few hours later with Gabriel and me at her side and with the taste of peanut butter on her tongue, she died.
I want to thank all of our friends for their support, all of you who took care of her when I couldn't, and everyone who ever scratched her ears or petted her or gave her a treat. I want to thank everyone at Green Lake Animal Hospital, especially Dr. Jeb Mortimer, for all of the care they gave to Samantha and the support they gave to us. Thanks Dr. Hanna for coming to our home and helping us set her free.
Most of all, I want to thank my little girl for giving me eleven years of life. I am changed and better for it, and a day will never pass when I won't think of her and smile. Good-bye, Samantha.
