The passing of our sweet boy Murray
by Steve G
(Wisconsin)
May 9th, 2015 was a day that we never saw coming. We knew our Murray was battling some serious health issues and the fact that he was 12 and a half years old didn't help. But the treatments we were doing at home for his kidney disease were helping and his quality of life was still pretty good.
He woke up on Saturday and had a hard time walking. He was having issues with his back legs for the last couple of months but he was still able to jump up and sleep in the chair or on the back of the couch. Suddenly overnight something changed. Our vet got us in and did a quick examination. It was either a sudden worsening of a disc issue or possibly a tumor that was causing the issue with him walking.
The vet gave my wife and myself a few minutes to talk things over. Our son who was 8 was at home with grandma and was already scared that Murray might not come back home. We couldn't see taking the dog home for a couple of days and then returning to put him to sleep.
So we made the decision that no pet owner ever wants to make. With his rear legs not working correctly along with stage three kidney disease we thought it was the humane thing to do. I got to hold him in my lap when the vet gave him the final injection. He quickly drifted off and away from his body that was failing him.
The last two days have been filled with a lot of tears. I know in time that will pass as it has with the other three schnauzers I have lost over the years. It's the only breed I have owned and probably the only breed I will ever own.
Hopefully Murray is having a great time with Jo Jo, Livingston and Lola. We will always love you buddy. Thank you for being a part of our lives for almost 13 years!
