When It's Time - RIP Stewart

My sister had to make a big decision yesterday to put her most loving Great Dane, Stewart to sleep.  Stewart was 9 years, 8 months old...quite a long life for a giant breed.  When do you know it's that time?  I'm sure my sister struggled making this decision.  But she had to make this decision with her head and set aside her heartfelt feelings.  Stewart was her favorite.  What is best for him?  Of course my sister would of loved to keep him for a week, a month, a year longer.  But is it fair for your pet when their quality of life has diminished.  Stewart simply grew old, ate well but losing weight rapidly, unable to walk, no control of his bodily functions.  It was time.

Right now I have a young whipper-snapper Ralphie, with his youth, energy, the prime of his lifetime.  I'm enjoying his youth!  I also have Ralphie's older brother, Ollie, my Yorkie who is pushing 15 years old.  I'm have my struggles with his aging.  Ollie eats well, still has control of bodily functions, however he just does what he wants.  If he wants to pee and poo outside like a good boy, he does.  But he can be stubborn and lazy and just does his business in the house.  His eyesight and hearing is failing him.  He's becoming a little senile prancing, bumping into things, whining, and panting in the middle of the night.  So I wake up and hold him, cuddle him, rub his ears to soothe and calm him. He falls asleep.  It's been rough for me with interrupted sleep, but that's what love is all about.  I feel Ollie still has life in him; he can be quite feisty at times.  But I know one day I will need to make that decision like my sister did yesterday...is it that time?  But until then, I will cuddle him, comfort him, LOVE him.

Rest In Peace Sweet Stewart