It is often said that animals become dearer to us than many people. Their love is pure, selfless; they accept us just as we are. That is why parting with them is the hardest trial for a human being.
The man sat in the veterinarian’s office and couldn’t believe this day had come. In front of him lay his dog — his faithful friend, with whom he had gone through every stage of life. The dog had been there in moments of joy and in hours of despair, as if sensing everything that was happening in his master’s soul.
And now the veterinarians gave no hope, quietly saying that treatment was impossible, that the animal was suffering, and that the only way was to end its pain. For the man, it sounded like a sentence not only for the dog, but for himself as well.
He asked for a few minutes before the procedure.
Sitting down beside him, he hugged his friend and, unable to hold back his tears, whispered:
— Forgive me, buddy. Forgive me for not giving you the life you deserved. I love you. Forgive me… I don’t know how to live on. It hurts so much. I don’t want you to leave.
The dog, as if understanding every word, placed his paws on his owner’s shoulders and pressed close to him. The man hugged him tightly and began to cry loudly.
The dog opened his eyes, which had long been dulled by illness, and looked at his owner with a clear, lively gaze. He whimpered softly, as if to comfort him, and even stood up on his legs, licking the man’s face.
The veterinarians looked at each other in amazement — the readings had improved, his breathing became steadier. It seemed as though strength had returned.
The man, in despair, hugged him even tighter:
— My God, could this be a sign? Could he live? Could the illness have retreated?
But the doctors knew this phenomenon often occurs just before the end. Sometimes, just before death, there is a sudden improvement, as if energy comes back.
The veterinarians decided to postpone the euthanasia for the time being.
That very night the man did not leave his pet’s side, and the dog lay down beside him, resting his head on his knees. His breathing became calm and steady, as though he had finally found peace.
And quietly, without pain, he passed away — on his own, without waiting for the injection.
The dog passed away naturally, so that his owner would not have to suffer from guilt for the rest of his life.
