Pet’s Story

Harvey was a Border Terrier Mix. He was a stray pup in South Carolina. He came home with our neighbors daughter from Clemson. We watched him go by for his walks and played with him. We always commented what a unique beautiful dog . One day, they asked if we would like to adopt him because their schedules were out of the house too much. In January 2010, Harvey became ours, or mine mostly. We became the closest of pals sharing do much joy and happiness over the next 14 plus years. I worked from home and he had a bed on my desk. He followed me everywhere and was always waiting for me by the door when I did go out. He met so many dog and human friends on our morning walks to Schauble field in Closter. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. Over the past year, after turning 14, his back legs started to weaken somewhat and most recently became a hard task to stand up. His spinal chord was compromised (myelopathy). He no longer could go up or down stairs and he had no feeling in his back paws. He also lived such a long physical life that he began showjng signs of advanced dementia which required medicating him pretty heavy at night. He continued to love everyone even if he struggled to wag his tail. Although I could have kept him longer until his back legs finally gave out and drugging him every night to help his sundowning, I made a heartwrenching choice to let him go the other day in a peaceful in- home (in his own bed) euthanization. I second guess myself as I write this because quality of life decisions are ten times harder than obvious need for euthanization. But I know the love in my heart for Harvey helped that decision and he loved me unconditionally. I was truly blessed to have him in my life and I pray we are together again one day.