A Dog Named Mattie

Part of living on a small farm has been the opportunity to raise different animals over the past 15 years. We have had chickens, cows, rabbits, pigs, horses, cats, and dogs. Along with raising these animals has been the joy of watching new birth, and the sadness of death......all of which we have experienced several times, It never is easy when one must make "end of life" decisions about an animal......but today was one of those difficult days.

Our dog Mattie, affectionately called "Matilda", or "Mattalee"....has been failing in health for the past several months...i.e. weight loss, no appetite, low energy. Last night Ken and I concluded that she should not suffer....and we made the decision to have her humanely euthanized.

Mattie was almost 11 years old and probably the best "barn dog" we ever had. She was so good at keeping the horses from pawing at the gaits......and all you would have to say is "Mattie, get that horse.!".......and she was right there nipping at heels. She seemed quite proud of herself too.....always wagging that tail and bounding off to the next challenge!!!

We truly enjoyed Mattie, and so did our kids and grand kids. If you stared at her long enough she would cheerfully bark at you and shake her head back and forth...while a twinkle in her eyes.

I will keep those memories always.

So for you animal lovers out there.....I know you understand this bond....and many of you have most likely crossed this bridge. Mattie was a mutt.......saved from the pound.....but had a very full doggie life . So today, once again,

I cried.......for Mattie........

(Ken cried too but won't admit it)

Thank you Chelsea Lewis for taking her in for us and being such a sweet person, and to Dr. Harrison from Airport Animal Clinic for being such a compassionate vet.