From past experience, I have learned that treating those we love as if it is the last time we see them makes relationships stronger and more meaningful. It helps me choose my battles more wisely. It helps me pay attention to what I love about the person (or animal). For the past few evenings, I knew that it was almost time to say goodbye to my guinea pig of 5 1/2 years. Last night, Christopher and I held her in our arms for the last time, as she drifted off into a long sleep.
As sad as it was to witness her death, it was so comforting to know that we were with her, holding her. It was the first time that I was present for the death of one of my pets, so I was nervous about how I would react. Surprisingly, I was able to calmly hold her, tell her I love her, and pet her little back as she took her last few breaths.
Being that guinea pigs live 3-5 years on average, Marie was quite an old lady. Even so, as I held her motionless little body in my arms, I knew I will always think of her as my little girl.
When I went searching for a guinea pig 5 1/2 years ago, it was with the intention to have something to nurture. At the time, I didn't know about all the things that people could do to spoil guinea pigs. But, with the help of ideas from other guinea-pig fanatics, Marie had quite the little "crib." If there was a guinea-pig channel that had a show called "Guinea Cribs" or "Lifestyles of the Pampered Guinea Pig", she would have been on the show. On top of spoiling her with a large space to run around all day, I loved cutting her oranges and apples in the morning and giving her little carrots and lettuce at night. I loved when she would squeak-scream when she would get a bath or expect breakfast. I loved watching her run around the floor and/or chew on her little logs. I loved nurturing her. The irony is that, looking back on all the joy she brought to my life, I realized that she nurtured me more than I nurtured her.
She cuddled with me on the nights when Christopher and I were apart, before he and I were married. She taught me to be patient in receiving trust. She played peek-a-boo and made me laugh when I was having an angry day. She absorbed my stress as I held her.
Although I will miss her, I am more thankful than anything to have had her in my life.
So sorry to hear about Marie... but it is nice that you both were with her in her final moments. Pets often teach us and help us more than we to them. I think animals are a gift to us from God in that sense.
ReplyDeleteThere are some who think it foolish to weep
over a cherished pet in eternal sleep.
But those poor souls are truly blind
for they know not of the creature kind.
But you who devoted many years
deserve the time to shed those tears
over the loss of your dear friend
whose life on earth has come to an end.
And may the tears that you know weep
sow loving memories forever to keep.