The New Normal……

It has been a while since I have sat down to write…Last night I had the tough conversation with my husband about our ” fur baby” Madeline about preparing to say goodbye. Madeline AKA “Piggy, Maddie, Moo-Moo” has been in our lives for almost 14 years. She was with us before we got married, before I got into vet school, countless moves, duty stations, the birth of our two human kids and the addition of 6 furkids- several which have passed on before her.

Piggy girl has always been the sweetest pug, a favorite of many house guests. Aside from chronic eye issues, she has been healthy and happy most of her life and her decline has been slow. You see, when our decline in health is slow, it is often harder to notice the changes. A symptom that first shocked us, like not finishing her breakfast, or having difficulty with the stairs was at first a huge worry, but over the years has become the fabric of our normal.

We change our routine and environment to help her, to support her and things are no longer shocking. Medications and supplements, like CBD oil, are part of the routine and breakfast and dinner have gotten creative as we encourage her to eat. When did the “shocking” become normal? When have we reached the threshold of  too many ” new normals”. When has our good days really just good moments in a difficult day of existing……

I know our days are few….. and although my heart would break if piggy crossed over in her sleep, I would also feel relieved. I also know that it is my responsibility not to let her struggle turn into suffer…… we will watch, we will make a bucket list and we will celebrate and honor her right until the rainbow bridge and beyond. This chapter in our journey together is the hardest, but it has been so worth it.