Every Last Breath
Page 16
“You’re such a good girl Val. The sweetest, loving girl,” Maggie cried.
The reminder that she was still alive because of this dog, was one that would never fade. The Vet explained the series of shots, and how long it would take. “There can be some involuntary movements, but she will slip away peacefully.”
“Do you need some time to say goodbye.”
Maggie wiped her eyes. “No. She is ready to go. I’ve held on to her way too long.”
She looked down at the white beauty. Vala sat still, almost inviting the release. The Vet knelt beside the dog and reached into his pocket for the injection. This can happen fast. And I need to warn you. There could be some residual muscle spasms, causing her body to move once the heart stops.”
Ben took photos of her. “Bye sweetie. Bye Vala,” he said.
“Maggie shook her head and then slid off the chair. “Wait I want to hold her paws while she goes.”
The Vet injected the solution as Maggie pet her head. Vala’s eyes closed and within seconds she was gone. “I think she’s already gone.” He said as he placed the stethoscope on her side and sighed. “I’ve never seen a dog so ready to go.”
Maggie shook her head. “She was in a lot of pain. She was ready.”
“It would appear that way,” Ben sank to the floor and pet her head. “She stayed alive to protect you. She lived for you and Eli.”
The door to the exam room opened and they pulled Vala away. Maggie watched as the dog’s lifeless body was taken from the room. The office seemed completely quiet. Maggie sat there with her head in her hands. “She was only five. She had so much more life.”
“She loved you Maggie. She gave her life up for you?”
“I know,” she sobbed as he held her in a tight embrace. “That makes it so much harder.” She voice trembled. “If I hadn’t needed her to protect me, she could have had a normal life.”
“But that was her life. She was bred for protection. She didn’t know any other way of living.”
If the traits of Maggie seem similar to your thinking patterns, please talk with someone who knows about anxiety, PTSD or domestic violence.
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