Today we said goodbye to Etaine. We were hoping for one of those Christmas miracles that are abundant this time of year on the Hallmark channel, but it was not to be. It was April 5, 2010 when we drove 6 hours to a little south Texas town where Hubby picked out this Australian cattle dog, AKA Blue Heeler. She came into our life like a freight train, not caring about the meaning of her name. He named her Etaine, the goddess of butterflies and bright and shiny things. From the start, she tried to herd us, telling us when it it was time to get up and time to go to bed. Strong willed she knew how things ought to be. This confident dog suffered no lack of self esteem. It was apparent she was an alpha dog —bossy, ornery and a bit horsey. She could sometimes be curious but always serious. She would save us from UPS, FedEx, Amazon or the occasional solicitor, more than once knocking over a lamp. If it rained, she didn’t mind getting wet, but would snap at the pesky raindrops. Etaine spent her days looking out the office window warning people to stay away or sleeping beside me as I would write or paint. I don’t recall when she started sleeping by me or when she started to let me pet her head. A couple months ago her moxie becoming less bold. Getting up became increasingly difficult for her. We would help her stand and she would take a few steps and fall. During this time her meds were adjusted and then increased and readjusted. Last night I painted this quick little painting of her as she laid by my chair. We carried her to the vet this morning. She said any heroics would only delay the inevitable a couple weeks. Her bodily functions we ceasing to perform their duties. So, we made the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye. As she took her last breath, I allowed my tears soak the fur of this dog who conquered my heart. Our vet said this was hard for her too as she knew Etaine since she was a puppy. It is so hard to say goodbye to a beloved companion.
A few months ago after Etaine had a visit with the vet, I wrote this poem for her.
The Veterinarian
In case it’s not obvious
there are angels among us
God sent them for our pets,
Veterinians, we call vets.
They fluently speak dog and cat,
Even rabbit and probably muskrat.
Helping animals is their passion
With an abundance of compassion.
Each day they work long hours
Offering our pets their healing powers.
They see them in the fluffy puppy stage
And in the playful buddy phase.
Our pets understand
The gentle touch of their hand.
And when our pets journey comes to an end,
They are with us as we say goodbye to our best friend.
When our pets are ill. tthey give meds and hope
And when all is done they help us cope.
So God, please watch over them, I pray
Keep burnout far away.
Everyday give them grace.
For no one else can take their place.
