Possum's Last Days

On Friday, December 14th, Hiram collapsed outside and when he tried to walk, he couldn't walk on one of his front legs.

On Saturday, he could hardly walk at all and howled for us.

We brought him inside to rest and hopefully get better.

He was in so much pain, and it was hard to see him suffer.

On Sunday, we let him outside, but he just lay down in the snow nearly all day.

His body shuttered in pain.

Once again, we brought Possum inside in the evening and through the night.

He wouldn't eat or drink, couldn't walk anymore, and at times he whimpered in pain.

It was with heavy hearts that we decided that 14-year-old Possum didn't need to suffer in pain anymore.

On Monday, December 17th I took Possum into the vet.

Possum hadn't gone to the bathroom for over 24 hours, so when we got him on the table, he peed everywhere and a whole lot.

After they cleaned up everything, the vet came in.

He looked at Possum and said we could spend a couple hundred dollars doing x-rays and trying to fix the problems he had, which may include cancer, tumors, nerve damage and a whole lot more or given, Possum's old age, it would be better to lay him to rest.

I cried as he said we could put Possum down.

I knew it was time, but I didn't want Possum to go.

The procedure was quick and painless.

He went quickly.

Possum resting on Saturday night inside.

Possum's last morning with us.

He puts on a happy, brave face for us.

He tried to get up and walk, but just couldn't do it.

He struggled to not be able to move around and do things for himself.
I had to hand feed him the day before.

Possum and me, Mom together for the last time.

Possum at the vet for the last time.

Oh, Possum, how we love you and are going to miss you!

Possum's body resting peacefully as his spirit left his body.

My tribute to Possum:

Our 14-year old dog, Possum, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2018.

Daddy and I got Possum as a puppy, and when 2-year-old Joyanne saw him, she said "Possum" and the name stuck. He has been such a great dog who loved to chase bubbles and pop them. He was patient with all the other dogs we had. He loved the outside, and he loved water, especially the sprinklers. He protected us from intruders. He loved his long rope toys and always loved a good walk.

We love you, Possum!