Trigger warning: the following post may be upsetting due to the discussion of medical information, as well as death and grief. Please read when you feel you are resourced to do so.
I write with a very heavy heart. Last Thursday, my dear companion Nibby unexpectedly died.
Nibby was the most wonderful girl. She was the best dog our family could ask for and the best helper for me at work. She joined our family in February 2017, when she was three months old: cute as a button, nestled in a silver bucket with balloons tied to it as she was a surprise for my eldest's fourth birthday. The next day she came to work with me. Over the next nine and a half years, she was there almost every day, apart from a handful of days - a few times when the kids wanted to keep their pup home with them, and a few days this June when she was too stinky because she had been skunked!
I noticed that Nibby seemed a bit tired last Tuesday. She still came to work with me on Wednesday, walking with me to and from, and even jumping in and out of my vehicle later that day before heading home and enjoying some of her favourite treats and snuggles in her bed.
On Thursday morning, I woke to the sound of Nibby slipping and when I went downstairs, she was extremely lethargic and not herself. Though I immediately contacted the vet, in no corner of my mind did I think she would not make it home. I expected perhaps the aging journey had taken a turn and Nibby may just need some medication. However, even by the time we reached the vet, I was carrying her out of my vehicle and she could barely stand.
Very quickly thereafter, we received the news that Nibby was not going to make it. Nibby's blood pressure had plummeted and an extensive blood panel showed she had become extremely anemic, likely due to a previously unknown tumour rupturing. Over the next five hours at the wonderful veterinary clinic, our family gathered with Nibby to say our goodbyes. She was encircled with love as she left this world.
Nibby touched the lives of many people and is dearly missed. As I remind many clients, grief is the cost of love. It is clear the love for Nibby ran deep as she leaves a big hole in our home, with family and friends, and at my office. Thank you to all who have been such wonderful friends to Nibby – I am sorry if your hearts are as broken as ours are.
I will be back in the office tomorrow, doing my best, like Nibby would want me to.
Deepika