As some of you already know, Tira, my best friend and companion, passed away on the morning of Thursday, August 17th after a very sudden illness. Tira was taken ill on the night of Wednesday August 16th. I called my vet, Dr. Macartney, and he instructed me to bring her to the clinic. X-rays revealed that her stomach had torsed (twisted) about 90 degrees. We were able to relieve the bloating of her stomach and Dr. Macartney sent us home, hoping that her stomach might right itself with the gas removed. While surgery is really the only corrective measure for stomach torsion, the combination of Tira's age and weakened state meant that surgery was not likely to be successful.
Although she seemed much better over the evening, she relapsed the next morning and had to return to the clinic. At this point I was faced with a very painful decision, either put her through a dangerous and traumatic surgery with a high probability of post-operative complications, or let her go peacefully.
Dr. Macartney was wonderfully patient and kind and made it very clear that he supported me in whatever decision I made. Rather than put Tira through something that was likely to only end in her suffering further, I made the decision to let her go. I am extremely grateful to both Dr. Macartney and Sian (who was in town visiting for the day) for helping me through this terrible and difficult decision. I could not have endured such a heart-breaking day without their support and kindness.
Tira's health had been slowly declining over the past year. Although recent blood tests indicated that she was fairly healthy internally, her energy, strength and spirit had reduced dramatically over the past year. Over the last few months, I had been trying to prepare myself for the day when I would have to make such a decision, but the suddenness of her illness made it even more difficult to say goodbye. And nothing could have prepared me for the journey I have had to make since that day. I have been honoured to share my life with such a passionate, fun and free-spirited individual. My life with Tira has been filled with laughter, worry, joy and love. When we were together, we were both whole and content. I have been blessed to have had such a friend and guardian.
Sorcha
