Merrilee Viguers: my personal disaster

My Personal Disaster

By Merrilee Viguers  

   Disasters come in all different shapes and sizes. Some impact thousands of people while others can affect a single family. Whether big or small, disasters are heart retching occurrences and can drastically change your life. This past Tuesday my life was changed forever because my dog passed away. It’s a pet owner’s worst fear to lose their pet and the worst is when it happens within the blink of an eye. Just like a Hurricane Sandy victim, my life too altered in a single day. When the news hit me it was like I was drowning, slowly drifting farther from the waters surface as no air filled my lungs. My chest compressed and no words could come from my mouth. All I wanted to do was see him one final time, but now it wasn’t an option. I would never see my dog again.

   His name was K.C. and he became my best friend in second grade. I was so young and all I wanted was a puppy so once he became a part of my life I cherished him dearly. We grew up together and created so many memories that I hope to never forget. It was like saying goodbye to a family member as I left for college. His brown eyes as round as the moon stared lovingly at me as chocked back tear and said goodbye, but little did I know this would be my final goodbye.   

    It’s inevitable that death will come one day, but the real question is always when. Sometimes her gloomy grasps will slowly drag you away, allowing loved ones to see the signs that the end is near; however, in some instances she will snatch you right out of your life leaving everyone else in shock. Sadly I was blinded by love and never noticed deaths signs like how shallow K.C.’s breathing had become and how grey hairs had appeared around his nose. He was 12 years old but I thought I would at least have him for a little longer. He was relatively healthy too, other than his torn ACL and I simply figured I would see him in a couple weeks. My parents never told me that he wasn’t eating or going to the bathroom the last couple of days. The only thing they told me was that he had a lump on his neck but I figured it wasn’t important like the others, so I didn’t worry. That Tuesday my mom texted me that they were going to the vet to get K.C. an enema. I had no idea what it was but I called her later on to see how it was. Turned out it wasn’t looking good and they were waiting to see the vet to figure out what to do next. I was freaking out but she insured me they wouldn’t do it tonight. Unfortunately death wasn’t waiting for him.

   Two hours after talking to my mom I felt my phone ringing, instantly my heart’s beat quickened. I had been expecting the call and began to ready myself mentally to leave and be there by my dog’s side as they fed him deaths bitter poison. Just as I waited to hear her say we are on our way to get you, instead she said “K.C. is gone hun, we had to put him down.” Every part of me was numb. My eyes welled up with tears and my body felt like a million pounds. I was gasping for breath as I was in complete shock. My mom continued to explain how they saw the vet and he told them that K.C. was in a lot of pain and had tumors all over his body and organs. It was the only option and she described how the doctor’s expression said it all, that it was awful if K.C. had to keep suffering any longer. My teammates who were walking with me all swarmed around me forming a protective circle trying to comfort me. I managed to open my searing red teary eyes and squeak out “he’s gone, they didn’t wait for me, he’s really gone.” The awww-ing and comforting remarks came from all of the girls but in the end all I could think was he’s gone my best friend is gone.

   I was a wreck that night. Nothing seemed to matter all I wanted was K.C. and to be able to see him one last time. The ideas that I couldn’t be there for him as he took his final breath and that I never got to say goodbye will haunt me the rest of my life. K.C. had always been there for me when I needed him so it’s a terrible feeling knowing I couldn’t be there for him as his spirit left us. Part of me tries to stay upbeat about it because now his is living a happier life in doggie heaven, where he no longer feels any pain. However, my mind will always drift back to how we grew up together and now I had to continue on my journey without my loving companion. K.C. will always be a part of my family and I couldn’t have asked for a better dog.