A PUPPY KNOWS

Seventy-six year old “Virginia” suffers from lung cancer that has spread to her brain. Virginia has been widowed for eleven years. She lives alone with “Benji”, her thirteen year old puppy. Benji was two when he was given to Virginia by a family member who could not keep him.

Virginia and Benji have always been close. It is like Benji knows she saved him. I first met Benji and Virginia two weeks ago when Virginia’s health took a rapid decline. Benji is a small white terrier. He will greet visitors and then return to his bed in the living room to nap.

Virginia needs constant care now. Her son, “Lenny” has come from Oregon to stay with his mom. Lenny is the family caregiver. He has helped multiple, elderly family members through bouts of illness and death. He has a huge heart and wouldn’t have it any other way. His sister, “Cassandra” lives locally and is over every day as well.

Four days ago, Virginia stopped eating and drinking. It appears she is imminent. Since that time, Cassandra is sleeping over and not leaving as wants to help her brother with mom’s care. The two children are devoted to Virginia. It melts one’s heart to see the tenderness they both give to their mother.

I did a visit today and Virginia was in a deep sleep. Benji was sleeping on the bed next to her. It is like Benji knows that his master is failing. Somehow one can see it in his eyes. Cassandra was sharing how they are considering putting Benji down as it might be too hard on him, with his failing health and age, to deal with moving to a new home without Virginia around.

Dogs seem to have a a natural understanding about death. When it is time, then it is okay. My thought is that if Benji could talk, he would want to be cremated and buried with his master. Dogs are that devoted. Heaven is perfection and for Virginia, I wouldn’t be surprised if her perfection included Benji. Hopefully one day, we will all know.


A PUPPY KNOWS
　
　

He was a rescue dog.
They’ve been together for years.
It has always been the two of them.
You’ll seldom find one without the other.

It seems he’s aware things have changed.
It’s like he knows her time is short.
He seldom will leave her side now.
Sleeping next to her in the hospital bed.

They know he will miss her.
It will be hard on him with her gone.
He will wait for her by the front window.
It will break their hearts to see him yearn.

He‘s getting older and slowing down.
He‘s not as active as he once was.
He’s been sick this past year as well.
The loss of her may be too much for him.

He only knows she has always been there.
They want to do the right thing for him.
They are planning on putting him down
so the two of them,
       for eternity,
              will never be
                     one without the other.