Our Sweet Girl

Indigo was put to sleep tonight. Today was a bad day for her and believe it or not, that helped us. Last night, she was happy as a clam when our friends came over to bid her farewell. Again with the hopping and circling!! The thought of what we had planned for tonight overwhelmed us with guilt. Today though, she was moving slower and had trouble breathing. She didn't even want to eat! She finally relented and ate the pot roast dinner I made for her. (Hey, don't judge me. We loved her THAT much!)

The entire staff at Indigo's primary vet loved her dearly. Indigo was always happy to go there too because she was showered with so much love and attention. They were so sad to see her in her current state. When she saw her, Dr. Robin assured us we were doing the right thing. Knowing how much she loved Indigo, that made us feel better too.

Dr. Robin asked that we bring the two wieners to the appointment. She said that it would help them process their loss. (I saw that. Yes, I saw you raise your eyebrow when I said that. But it's okay - because I did the same thing when I heard it.) The idea was that they knew where she was the last time they saw her, so they wouldn't keep searching the house for her. Paulie was very attached to Indigo. Indy, whether he knows it or not, owed Indigo a debt of gratitude for keeping him company during the years when his separation anxiety was unbearable for him. So we packed them up too.

When we arrived, Dr. Robin explained what would happen and what to expect. They put in an IV and then set her on the couch between us in a soft-lit, calming room that seemed like a living room in someone's grandparents' house. There were no surprises...except at how quickly the second drug worked. She was given a sedative first to calm her and that seemed to do absolutely nothing. Then we gave the go ahead to give her the second drug - the "measured" overdose. She pushed the drug into her IV. Seconds later, Indigo rolled onto her side and was gone. Dr. Robin checked with her stethoscope and confirmed what we saw happen right in front of us.

Paulie sat on the back of the couch above her. He jumped down next to her, poked her with his nose, licked her a few times and then jumped down and was ready to leave. Indy was curious, but just sniffed and then joined Paulie at the door. But nothing can describe seeing the love of your life breakdown when confronted with the absolute loss of his best and closest friend of 11 years.