Well, not this week. I'm sorry to say that this adorable, cuddly, sweet, peanut-sized, puppy who was just about 10-weeks-old passed away today. A, our director, was faced with the difficult decision when Nereus developed complications associated with the same virus that took the life of Little Luther this past Sunday.
A held him in her arms as he was euthanized, and he slipped quickly and peacefully into a deep and final sleep. Right now, I picture him romping with forever young Mr. Bill and Princess Zoe, and Little Luther, all just over the Rainbow Bridge and welcoming the tiniest of all, Nereus.
This week has been horrible; I don't know how A does it. Four dogs have left us and she has had to make the decisions of when to call it, when to decide that everything that could be done has been done. I don't think there is anyone I respect more. A never takes these decisions lightly; I know she spends sleepless nights worrying about all of the animals in her care, as if each one were her very own pet.
I can only hope that a week like this will bring us closer as an organization. As I said in my note to our volunteers:
This has been a truly difficult week for everyone at PAWS. Sometimes we forget that someone has to make the difficult decisions when these terribly young or sweet elderly lives have to end. Now is the time to support each other and the animals; it’s why we chose to be here in the first place and these rough times remind us that rescue does have its “downs” as well as its “ups.”
Ah, sweet Nereus. You'll be missed so much!
