L'il Girls Mommy

by Carol
(South Carolina)

My L'il Girl was a sweet little Shih Tzu and Peke mix.. she was solid black with a white patch on her chest and on her foot...until she started getting older, then her hair turned salt and pepper like mine! She had lost her hearing about a year ago (I missed her coming to greet me when I came home because she didn't hear me any more. She did like her treats and would wag her tail for them! We did our own sign language and she was able to follow my directions! She was sweet as could be but she did not like little people. She always looked like a puppy even as old as she was (15 yrs).

On 4/27/10 I had to have her put to sleep. I wish she would have just gone to sleep on her own! It was a difficult decision but she had lymphoma and was not eating, vomiting at times...the vet told me I would know when it was time. I am still devastated over my decision and feel guilty for doing this to her, but I think it may have been worse if I had had to see her waste away and suffer more.

The night before we when to the vet, she ate a little bit of Snicker bar! I let her have her last ride with her head out the car window but she was not feeling well enough to enjoy it! I took lots of pictures of her and I let everyone know of my loss.

I live alone, both of my children are grown and live with their families and children. That seems to make it harder to me because I am so lonely. I still cry all the time when I think of her. It has helped me to get back to work (I had been on Medical leave and returned back to work 3 days after) But when I am home alone I may cry for over an hour at times. My daughter has been really supportive but I am still alone - I can't think of getting another dog...it wouldn't be the same.

My daughter, as a remembrance of her, is giving the residences in her apartment community $50 off if they adopt a dog from the animal shelter!

I had L'il Girl cremated although I don't like the idea, it seemed better than burying her in my yard and having to leave her if I ever move! I received a footprint mold from the Vet...when I look at it it is more than I can handle right now...but I know I will be forever grateful for this!

To all of you that have lost a furbaby, my heart is aching for you, too!