I only had Jewel for a short time. I agreed to foster her for a local humane society as I had a friend working there. I knew she had bladder stones when I took her, but was told that otherwise she was okay. Jewel was a beautiful Bichon, and was terrific about being bathed and brushed. After a short time, I realized that she had at least one other problem (kennel cough), and then also realized that she was unable to have a normal bowel movement. Jewel was such a loving quiet dog that I didn’t realize this for almost a week. I took her back to the humane society and got medication for her. Then two weeks later knew that she needed more than just medicine. I took her to the weekend clinic, and they contacted the humane society. The director told the vet that I had been told JEWEL was being fostered as a hospice dog. That just wasn’t true.
They then told me that she was much older than I’d been told, and that the humane society director wanted her put to sleep. I lost it! That was like getting knocked out. The last thing I wanted was for this sweet, loving, beautiful dog to be put down. The vet’s assistant came out and talked with me, she explained that Jewel’s stones were very large, and that it was only a matter of a short time before her bladder ruptured.
If that happened, she would be in excruciating pain. She also told me that all indications showed Jewel also had either a cancer or other obstruction in her bowel tract which was preventing normal functioning. I was assured that the only humane thing was to put her to sleep. I kept thinking of Jewel being so happy when a little boy came up to pet her. She just wiggled all over with pleasure.
This happened as I was waiting to take her to the clinic. I had no choice, the director had given the orders. They took Jewel from me, and told me I could leave. Jewel, I love you! I’ll see you again someday!
Dogs are God's beloved companions,
| Jewel |
| Shirley Soper |