A Precious Gift by Margaret Hunt

A Precious Gift

by Margaret Hunt

Our time with Shannon, our chocolate lab, was short - only four years. Shannon was the smallest in her litter, and she was sickly. When my husband, Peter, saw her he immediately knew he had to take her home. When she arrived at home, Shannon was shaking. I held her in my arms and soothed her - the bond was instantanious. My husband and I never for one moment regret taking Shannon. She was and always will be our baby girl. Never have I known such unconditional love, such devotion. Shannon did have health problems through her short life, but we were able to nurse her back to health until the Christmas of 2000. She became very ill. We took her to Dr. Steve and he determined Shannon had a blockage in one of her kidneys. He operated, and she made a remarkable recovery. We thought a miracle had occurred. For the next few months, Shannon was active, more active than she'd ever been, playing ball, chasing her stick, barking at passer-bys. We went for our daily walks by the path we made and named "Shannon's Way". She did so love going for walks with us. Every morning, when Shannon would hear me getting out of bed, she would come to my side, kiss my face, and lick my feet, her tail furiously wagging. Out we would go to the kitchen where Shannon would know it was time for Mommy and Shannon to have breakfast. Every evening she would greet me in the driveway, and off we would go for our walk. Then, that Easter, Shannon became very ill again. After more x-rays and a sonogram, it was determined that Shannon's kidneys were failing. Dr. Steve said it was just a matter of time. I looked into Shannon's eyes at that moment, and knew Shannon was not ready to let go - not yet. So we put her on a regiment of medications. She did so well for the next seven months that it was difficult to believe she was so sick. It happened very quickly. On Sunday, November 18, 2001, Shannon started pacing; finding it difficult to find her spot. We were up with her most of that night (she always slept with us for some part of the night, but not this night). On Monday, November 19, 2001, she was very restless; I suppose I knew the end was near, but I was in denial. At 4:30 that evening, I called Dr. Steve and brought her in. Dr. Steve said her blood pressure was very high and he was going to give her something to bring it down. He told me to leave Shannon there for observation. I did, and she died sometime that evening. I have lived with the guilt of not being with her every minute of every day since then. I can't believe I left her there and she died alone. I pray she can forgive me, for God knows, I can't forgive myself. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? I have searched for answers everywhere, but I know the answer lies within myself. Shannon was a beautiful soul and a gift from God. I love her and always will love her with all my heart and all my soul. Rest in peace, my gentle soul until we meet at rainbows bridge. Love, Mommy.

Comments would be appreciated by the author, Margaret Hun