Goodbye Mégane
Saying goodbye with the feeling of having loved as strongly, as well and for as long as possible, and having no regrets.
I’m writing this with a heavy heart, as the pain of losing Mégane is still very real; they passed away last Friday. I’m doing so because I believe my experience can help other dog owners live better lives with their happy and healthy dogs for many wonderful years, and above all, have no regrets when they part with them in old age, as was the case with Mégane. I’m therefore summoning my courage to share this story with you, even though the pain of my grief is still very intense and makes it difficult for me.
Last Friday, we had to say goodbye to our oldest member, Mégane. They would have turned 16 in August. It certainly wasn't easy for my partner and me, and it won't be for the next few days, or even weeks, but this time, I feel we loved our beautiful Mégane in the best way possible, and I have no regrets about how we did it. We had to let Mégane go because their body could no longer keep up, but they emptied their bowl with gusto and joy until their very last day on this earth. What took them was old age. They weren't sick, just very old and tired.
I must tell you, nobody's perfect, not even me (just kidding, of course), but I firmly believe that what's terrible in life isn't making mistakes, but repeating them without questioning them. If we learn from our mistakes, we constantly improve.
Before I tell you about Mégane's happy and healthy life, I'm going to tell you about Maya's. Maya was my first Portuguese water dog. They were an extraordinary dog that followed me everywhere. There were lively and intelligent. We loved each other so much; they were my 4-legged soulmate. Maya always had minor health issues: ear infections, poor appetite, and paw chewing. At 8 months old, they swallowed a sock, and we had to have them operated on. Yet, at the time, we were convinced we were doing the best for her. They ate the most expensive kibble on the market and received the recommended veterinary treatments every year: vaccinations for every conceivable disease and treatments for heartworm and parasites. So, why were they sick? At the time, we thought we were doing the best for her; we loved them so much! But can we question that? I think we should. Our beloved Maya passed away at the age of 5 from an aggressive cancer: lymphoma. A month earlier, we had taken them to the vet for a urinary tract infection, and they had received their annual vaccination. Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system, more specifically the lymphatic system. Was there a link with their vaccination? With their food? Science doesn't tell us for sure, and I'll never have a definitive answer to that question but allow me to doubt it. From that moment on, I promised Maya's memory that I would learn more about the canine immune system, what affects it, and do better with the dogs who came after. It's called learning the hard way. Do I feel guilty about Maya? Absolutely, but I didn't know any better. In my mind, I was sure they were getting the best. And I tell you this because you, my clients, are people like me; you want the best for your dog. Sometimes people just don't know what's best. Just like me, 20 years ago, with Maya.
Today, I’m very sad about Mégane's passing, but I don't feel guilty. That makes a big difference in grieving. I feel that we did the best we could for them throughout their life, and that's why they lived such a long and healthy life.
Here is Mégane’s life in a few words:
Mégane was born here, from our first litter of Portuguese water dogs. We chose them to continue our breeding program. They were the longest-lived of the 9 puppies in that litter. Mégane's mother, Melly, ate a balanced raw diet. Mégane also received a balanced raw diet from the moment they took their first bite of food until their death. They never ate a single kibble in their life. Mégane was always in excellent health. A dog with a wonderful temperament. They received their basic vaccinations as a puppy, but that was the only vaccination they ever received; they didn't have any annual boosters. Mégane only received the insect repellent treatment you put on a dog's back once in their life (just because I was stressed about planning a trip to the United States). Mégane got sick and vomited a few hours after receiving the treatment. I can swear to you that this is the last time I'll give my dogs that kind of thing. In this case, I learned from my mistake much faster. Mégane has never had worms, fleas, or ticks (except once or twice, they caught a tick that we had removed, and it didn't affect them at all). All their life, Mégane gnawed on meaty bones 2 or 3 times a week, and it was their greatest joy. Even last week, they were enjoying them immensely, the only difference being that I had to hold them for so they could gnaw because they were no longer able to eat them from the ground. I held them for 30 minutes, and they slept soundly the rest of the day. During a checkup when they were 12, the vet noticed how clean my dog's teeth were, even though some were a little worn. They never had any dental work done or any other issues. Mégane enjoyed walks with us on the farm until their body could no longer keep up last summer, at the age of 15. Since they were 12, Mégane had been receiving green lipped mussel and curcumin to help with their increasingly tired joints. They received no medication at the end of their life. Mégane always received preventative treatments, 3 to 4 times a year, from our wonderful veterinary osteopath and acupuncturist. This allowed her to stay fit and active; each treatment was beneficial.
Did we make the best decisions for them? I think so, and that helps me so much to find peace with their passing. Mégane left like an angel, relaxed and serene, and if they suffered, it was for a very short time (a few hours before death). They had a beautiful life and a beautiful death. Even though current science can't give us that answer with certainty right now, I sincerely believe we did the right things for them, and that comforts me greatly in my grief. That's Mégane’s story. I thought it was worth sharing with you and thank you for reading! I know that those who have dogs like you understand this pain, and it feels good to share it. Sometimes, human nature being what it is, we wait until our dog is sick to consult a veterinarian about their diet and healthcare and to change our approach. Unfortunately, sometimes it's too late, as was the case for Maya.
Finally, some people want to know why I'm such a big advocate of raw feeding. Many think I'm crazy, narrow-minded, and extremist. Why am I so radical? It's because I see the changes, the successes, the dogs who thrive on this diet. For me, it's important to help more dogs live longer lives like Mégane; it's something I'm deeply committed to. When it comes to raw feeding for your dog, it's crucial to do it right. That's why I offer coaching services and training. It's not as difficult as it seems when you do your research. I hope my story will be helpful and will help you give your dog a longer, healthier life like Mégane's. We love them so much, and no matter the age they pass away, it's very difficult, but the grief is much less painful when you feel you did everything you could for them and their health.
Goodbye my beautiful Mégane, I hope you are running freely with Maya and that you are having lots of fun together.
Karine
