It’s an old adage and it has been around for a while because it is generally true.  This morning I called the vet’s office at 6:30 AM to let them know that I was cancelling my dog’s appointment at 11:00 AM.  Yes, it was early and they were not open yet, but I left a voice message.  Perhaps they could have someone else take the appointment.  Hopefully they have a waiting list of customers that need to bring their pets in for urgent care.

So, yes I did feel guilty about not telling them sooner. But frankly so much has happened since I made that appointment on Wednesday morning when I found a little bit of blood in Bodhi’s, my 16 year old Maltese, urine.  

I realized by Wednesday evening that Bodhi’s situation could not wait.  He was peeing all over the place.  It seemed like he could not hold his urine.  So, I connected with another vet that was able to see him and get him started on meds to fix the situation.  

Following that vets visit with Bodhi,  a few hours later almost about 5 PM.  We found Spot, our short-haired German Pointer, lying on the grass near the house.  That’s not unusual, however after a few minutes of calling his name, he was not responding.  Still not unusual since he’s elderly as well and doesn’t hear well.

Don’t know exactly how old, but he has been with me for about 12 years.  And he was certainly an adult when he showed up here at the house/farm. We live on 5 acres among palms and fruit trees.  So, it is assumed that he is 14 or 15 years old.

I walked towards Spot and knelt next to him.  He seemed to be sleeping.  As soon as I placed my hand on his back I knew.  He was gone. There was still warmth in his body, but it was lifeless.  I could feel the stiffness of the body.  The stiffness that occurs as soon as the life force leaves and goes where ever it goes.

Spot was my friend, companion, and protector.  I was grateful for his years of friendship and love.  My heart was so heavy with grief.  But with an understanding that he had lived a good life and was well loved.  And, thankful that he died peacefully in his sleep.

So, with all that occurred, it was with my utmost sincerity that I called the Vet’s office to let them know to please cancel Bodhi’s appointment.  We have all been through a lot in the last few days.  And, it just slipped my mind to call earlier to cancel the appointment.  So, yes especially in this case:  Better late than never.