A Sad Day At The Vet

I took the girls to the vet today to have their nails trimmed. As we were waiting in the lobby, an elderly gentleman dressed in overalls and a worn baseball cap shuffled in leading a tired and aged cocker spaniel. The woman at the front desk came right out and took the leash and said to the dog, "C'mon sweetheart."

As they walked away, the man stood and watched them go. "I hate to see that happen," he mumbled more to himself than to me. I was pretty sure by then what was happening but as he caught my eye, I raised my eyebrows in a question and he gave a quick nod. 

"I'm so sorry," I said. 

The man blinked back a few tears, took a deep breath, and pushed open the door to step back into the cold air. 

There just wasn't a whole lot more to say. 

Comments

[kim]

i have been that man, and i'm sure i'll live long enough to be that man again. bottom line - the pain of out living a pet, as real and intense as it is - is a small price to pay for the experience of their devotion. i'll pay it as many times as life dishes it out.

in fact, we got some bad news from the vet today about one of our dogs. he has developed a heart condition that will make his days fewer.

[Heather P]

Grief is the price we pay for love.

[Melody]

Why is it I can handle the sadness of life in somewhat decent stride, but when there's an elderly man involved, I'm reduced to a sobbing heap? Sayin' a prayer for that man right now. And calling my Granddaddy later today.