leebyrne.com

Martha My Dear…

// June 23rd, 2010 // Goings On

We lost our beloved chocolate lab Martha yesterday to a mysterious condition she’s been dealing with over the last few weeks.  I haven’t been very public about this because, quite frankly, I didn’t want to talk about it.  So, for those of you who had the pleasure of meeting Martha and are interested in knowing what led to us putting her to rest yesterday, here are the details.

In the morning, about four weeks ago, Martha tried to join me on the couch with one her running jumps.  Her front legs didn’t quite clear the top and she ended up half way on, staring at me for some help.  I did what I’ve been doing for the last couple of years and hoisted the rest of her up next to me.  A little later, while getting Jack out the door to the bus, I heard a thump and noticed she was lying on the floor and looking a little confused.  I went to help her up but she had little to no strength in her legs.  I figured (hoped) she just tweaked a knee or hip and left to run some errands.  When I returned, she was still in the same place, fast asleep as usual.  I carted her around a bit and managed to get her outside to go the bathroom.  She ate and drink normally so we gave her the night to return to her old-self.

Needless to say, that didn’t happen so we made a visit to the Vet.  After an x-ray told us nothing, we started treating her with steroids and, once again, hoped for the best.  She had good and bad days and she seemed ok except for her legs.  There didn’t appear to be any pain and it looked like she would just rest until she could get up again.  I had to go out of town for a few days so we rigged up a sled so that Kelly and Jack could get her around the house.  Unless you’ve done it, you can’t imagine how hard, frustrating, and sad and it can be to try to help another living being go to the bathroom.  It was a tough stretch for Kell & Jack.  When I returned, it was obvious that “getting better” wasn’t going to happen. She didn’t have the glimmer in her eyes anymore and although she was still eating, it wasn’t with the same desire and vigor that we were used to.

We decided to keep at it over the weekend but she did not improve.  It was clear to us that she had had enough.  I called the vet yesterday (Monday the 21st) and they took us right in.  We stayed with her, said our goodbyes, and held her until she passed.

Martha was truly a dear friend to us and we already miss her dearly.  It’s been so long since a day went by without her following us around.  I don’t think a dinner ever passed without her sitting up staring at one of us with those big brown eyes hoping for a big score.  Meal time will never be the same.  We hope you are feeling better and running around looking for snacks wherever you are and I hope our paths cross again someday.  The song we named you after never rang more true – please don’t forget us as we will never forget you.

Martha my dear, though I spend my days in conversation
Please
Remember me, Martha my love
Don’t forget me, Martha my dear

Hold your head up you silly girl, look what you’ve done
When you find yourself in the thick of it
Help yourself to a bit of what is all around you
Silly girl

Take a good look around you
Take a good look you’re bound to see
That you and me were meant to be for each other
Silly girl

Hold your hand out you silly girl, see what you’ve done
When you find yourself in the thick of it
Help yourself to a bit of what is all around you
Silly girl

Martha my dear, you have always been my inspiration
Please
Be good to me, Martha my love
Don’t forget me, Martha my dear

Lennon/McCartney