i don’t understand what lesson is the universe trying to teach me. it feels everything in my personal life is being torn away. some kind of clean slate and/or scorched earth thing is going on, in a painful way.
the first true love my life is my dog, India. she has been with me through thick and thin. she is the most loving, sweet, gentle soul i know. she has been true blue – the most loyal, loving, constant presence in my life for the last 13 years.
and she is dying.
yesterday i got as far as calling the vet to the house to put her down. but after an examination, the vet said we could try a few things – mostly pain meds – and see if she might bounce back. it’s possible that she has some kind of inner-ear infection, which would account for India’s loss of appetite, stumbling and falling, and holding her head at a weird tilt. if so, it’ll resolve in a few days.
but it’s more likely that it’s something bigger. like a brain tumor.
she still gets up and wags her tail when she sees me. she happily ate the peanut butter i gave her. but she’s obviously uncomfortable and disoriented. and i just can’t take the fact that she is not long for this world.
yesterday i laid down with her and just petted her and cried.
today i sat Elsa down and tried to prepare her – explained that India is getting so old and her body is tired and sick. Elsa asked if India was going to die soon, and i said yes. she responded that we would not be a family anymore without India and she started sobbing. i didn’t even know what to say.
i have lost so much in the last few months – i don’t know how to take this one.



13 comments
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14 April 2012 at 6:53 pm
rebekah
No. I just don’t know what to say. Just hoping beyond that it’s not true.
14 April 2012 at 6:59 pm
tafel
Oh no. Nonononono. I’m so sorry.
14 April 2012 at 8:03 pm
Nikko
Oh Porter. I’m so sorry. I’ve been through it with my best friend buddy and it ripped my heart out. Cherish the time you have left and I hope you and Elsa get through it ok.
14 April 2012 at 8:21 pm
jcmarie
Oh no. Please not India.
14 April 2012 at 9:27 pm
bigtablefarm
I’ll call tomorrow… I’m so sorry I just got this !!! kims dog had this it’s treatable… hang in there… I know she is old and she is so loved I write this with tears for her and for you and for your little family… I love that d she has og too — give her a little kiss from me Casper and Clementine too!!! she has been such a good long and dear friend… I want for her to get home …. holding you close… xxxx c
14 April 2012 at 11:50 pm
Katie
Oh, Porter! My best advice is to do what you’re already doing- give India lots and lots of love. You’ll know if/when the right time is, though it will hurt immensely. I had my parents take Isa for a couple days when I had to let go of Squiggy. That way I could cry out all the immediate pain without worrying about scaring/upsetting her. I don’t know if it lines up with your beliefs but the book Cat Heaven (there is a Dog Heaven as well) was very helpful for us. Even now Isa will tell me that Squiggy is up in heaven eating as much tuna as he wants while sitting on the countertop. It makes it less sad for her to think that he’s a little angel somewhere doing the stuff he loved doing down here. (((((((((hugs)))))))))
15 April 2012 at 4:35 am
Scooping it up
I am so so so so sorry. Elsa’s comment made me cry. That is terrible. Praying for you all.
15 April 2012 at 6:24 am
inventingliz
I’m so very sorry. I hope it’s an ear infection that will clear up, can you/the vet do more to find out? My dog Tinker actually had the very same symptoms about five or six years go – couldn’t walk straight, throwing up her food, head tilt – she had to have a major cleaning out of her ears, under anesthesia and everything, but now she is fine! I will send good thoughts your way that this is treatable.
15 April 2012 at 10:32 am
hazel
Oh God!! I am soooo sorry Porter. I hope the diagnosis is not as dire as thought. Poor India.
15 April 2012 at 11:46 am
HabeshaChild
Thanks everyone for the comments. Today India is eating, but the head tilt is worse and the side of her face is drooping – not great signs. She is still at K’s house, so Elsa and I went over there today to visit this morning. I told Elsa that it’s possible India will go to heaven before she sees her again, so she should said whatever she’d like to say. She said “I love you India” and gave her big hugs and pets. Elsa was teary, but less traumatized than I thought (and less upset than yesterday).
I am holding out for another couple of days to see if it is viral, but my hopes are not high.
The last thing I want to do is prolong her discomfort for my own selfish desires to have her with me. Ugh.
15 April 2012 at 1:31 pm
Gia
I can not imagine the pain. I know our pets are a big part of our family and they understand us more than anyone at times. Their love is unconditional and they teach us so much. I pray for understanding for you and Elsa and I pray that India’s suffering is not prolonged. I am sorry that this is happening and I send you lots of hugs and positive vibes.
17 April 2012 at 12:37 am
ndalzell
Oh, oh no. I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. I’m hoping for the best…
17 April 2012 at 8:02 am
fricknfracks
Oh god, Porter. I’m just seeing this now and am so, so sorry. One of our many commonalities was our 13 year old dogs – your India and my Indi. My heart hurts so much for you. Thinking of you all and sending lots of love.