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Writer's picturePaula F. Hill

Life = Life??


He chose NOT to die LAST NIGHT.

Yet, will soon.

More than two years ago, Scuppy (his name is changed to protect the innocent) was diagnosed with a life threatening disease and given four months to live. The clock’s been ticking. It’s very common for someone to “go” while loved ones aren’t present. The holidays seem to be a magnet for Death as well.

I suspected yesterday was one of Nine Cat lives. Although he isn’t a cat, Scups took-on that Feline Super Hero Power. And made it through the night. At 4:00am, he lifted his weary head and wagged.

Death is an heartwarming bedfellow. She causes me to accept the love, tenderness, connected Spirit we all have to one another. Whether animal or human, it’s all the same.

Spoke with the owners by phone late last night, laid out the sequence of events of the day. Excessive vomiting started early in the morning, lethargy, downtrodden demeanor, lying on his side for hours on end, and no interest in kibble or treats, sent them into panic mode. "We’re coming home tomorrow! We don’t want him dying with strangers.” I don’t take offense, would feel exactly the same way.

I’ve been witness to Death and Dying. They're familiar, often welcomed characters over the years of Hospice work. Taking on a business caring for other’s four-legged family members, offering to tag along for the vet visit (to put the pet to sleep) makes me an accomplice to Love comforted by Death.

Thank you, Scup, for not "going" on my watch!


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