Today is going to be a very sad day indeed!
Just sixteen days ago, on June 3rd., Pharaoh turned fourteen. He was born on June 3rd, 2003.
I didn’t mention in that birthday post that Pharaoh’s rear hips and legs were very weak indeed and it was clear that he was living out the last few weeks of his wonderful, glorious life.
Yesterday, Jean and I came to the sad conclusion that Pharaoh had deteriorated rapidly in these last couple of weeks and that it would be cruel to prolong what cannot now be pleasant for him.
We spoke to good friend and neighbour, Jim Goodbrod, who is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and he agreed.
So this Monday morning, Oregon (PDT) time, I shall drive Jim to our local veterinary clinic on Lincoln Road and Jim will pick up the necessary drugs.
We will then return home and Jean and I will cradle Pharaoh until he takes his last breath. My guess is that will be around 11am PDT.
I spoke to my daughter, Maija, and son, Alex, yesterday as they have fond memories of Pharaoh from his very earliest days. Alex’s long-term partner, Lisa, then sent me the following email:
Dear Paul and Jean,
I was very sorry to hear about Pharaoh and understand how you are feeling. I had to say goodbye to my 19 year old cat Molly last month.
My parents have had German shepherds and when they had to have their last one put to sleep a friend of theirs sent them the following poem. It gave them a great deal of comfort and I thought it would be nice to type it out and send it to both of you. You may already know it.
I will be thinking of you all tomorrow,
Lots of love,
Lisa xx
Here is that poem.
When the time comes
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who had to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close, we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Dear friends of this blog, it means so much to share this sad news with you all and I know that your sadness for this day will be carried on the wings of countless thoughts across the air waves in Pharaoh’s direction.
You will understand if I close by saying that just now, this Sunday afternoon, Pharaoh’s last day with Jean and me and our furry family, I’m uncertain as to how I will approach writing posts for the next few days. I may go silent or I may share some treasured memories of my time with Pharaoh.
In memory of a wonderful companion.
Learning from Dogs 
Paul,
I am so very sorry. I know exactly how you feel since I did the same thing for Abby three years ago.
Please accept my condolences and I also send them to Jean as well.
LikeLike
Paul. So sorry for your loss. Of course, Pharaoh’s memory will live on with you.
LikeLike
It took a while for the tears to slow enough that I could type words expressing my true sorrow for your loss.
LikeLike
Oh Paul…
LikeLike
Paul, my heart just breaks for you. We lost both of our pals last year, just two months apart, our male Bristol suffering from exactly the same condition as your buddy. I wrote several stories on watching the decline of our beloved dog and then stopped writing for 1 1/2 years. I just couldn’t write about any dogs or anything. I started back up in May after getting two new little puppies that brought joy back into our lives. When you are stronger, you might want to read “For Love of a Dog.” You are in my thoughts and prayers Paul.
LikeLike
What a beautiful poem. My heart goes out to you all as you progress through this very sad day. You will return here when you are ready…. and no sooner. We all accept that. Be at peace Pharoah. Today will end your suffering.
LikeLike
How terribly sad for you. I know how much it hurts and we are thinking of you and sending all our love.
Tess and greyhounds Monty and Chicken ❤️🐾❤️
LikeLike
It’s seems so inappropriate to ‘like’ this post. So very sorry to hear the news but commend you for keeping your sweet boy’s best interests at heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jean and hope that all the tender memories of your boy will provide you with some comfort and smiles through the tears of losing your loyal fur-iend. 💔 RIP dear Pharaoh.
LikeLike
Oh how I have dreaded seeing this post about your beloved Pharaoh life’s coming to an end. I am so very sorry for you having to put him down but, it is/was the right thing to do. Those of us who have or had pets feel your grief. I know that I do as I’m crying as I type. I can’t help but be sad for him and for you and Jean as well. Pharaoh was an exceptional dog and the one dog whose spirit is attached to your heart. I don’t have any words to ease your despair and grief, My only hope is that his memory will sustain you in the days and years to come. There are pets and, then there are those pets that were so very special.
LikeLike
Dear, lovely people,
Thank you so much.
Pharaoh died peacefully being held by Jean and me at 11:57 (PDT) this morning.
We have just returned from the crematorium.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
LikeLike
There will be a vacuum in your lives for a very long time, but remember those good times. I have no doubts that Pharoah would want to be remembered happily, rather than cause distress.
LikeLike
I am so very sorry, Paul. My love to you & Jean, ♥
LikeLike
There is absolutely nothing i can say that will ease your considerable grief, i know – but my heart goes with you on this sad day of endings. Bless you both for sending him off in this loving way. Our Chudleigh is 16 and that day is fast approaching – but Not Yet. Meanwhile we got a pup for him to mentor after said 6 week old pup clears 3 months of Parvo isolation from the other dogs. It has become such a plague here on the islands that even with vaccinated dogs, they can still be carriers. One must be careful. So the circle game continues – one is born, another dies. And we grieve. And we rejoice. Blessings to you both and all, Paul. ❤
LikeLike
To know it’s coming never eases the pain. Somehow our animals draw that from us more than most humans do. I too cried through this so it’s taken awhile to send my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You never stop missing them.
LikeLike
No words can comfort the loss of such a treasured friend and companion.
May memories of the great times with this beautiful boy help to sustain you.
Pharoah could not have had a better life.
Through my tears, I send you both lots of love.
LikeLike
Oh Paul and Jean.. so sad to hear of this. Tears have had to be wiped away several times before being able to see to type What a beautiful poem and how thoughtful of Lisa to share it with you..
I am only just returning to WP today after the weekend. My thoughts and love are with you both.
I know how hard it is when it is time to make that decision . But Pharaoh has had more than a wonderful life with you and Jean.. And I know his spirit lives on Paul..
You have shared so much of Pharaoh here with us throughout the years Paul and through your posts we have come to love all of your four legged friends..
My heart and my prayers are with you, as I know there will be a big hole in your hearts right now..
Sending Love, and more love your way..
❤ Sue ❤ xxx
LikeLike
Really sorry to hear your sad news. The poem is beautiful. So sad when they have to leave us. Nobody can take the fond memories away from you, treasure them and in time the pain of your loss will ease. Sending our love to you both. Lotta and Josie 🐾 💞
LikeLike
Deeply sorry for your loss 💔
LikeLike
I have been away, Paul and only just come to this news. Knowing how dear Pharaoh was to you, and you to him, I read this with tears streaming. I am so sorry for your grief, but so glad you shared this great love.
LikeLike
Sue, and everyone else, I feel stronger now. At least sufficiently strong to acknowledge your precious thoughts.
The love that has been shown by every single person, on and off this blog, to Jean and me over the death of Pharaoh has profoundly affected us. It has enriched Pharaoh’s legacy to stratospheric levels and will remain the most valuable memorial of this incredible dog for evermore.
LikeLike
Just imagine if we mere humans could leave such a legacy!:)
LikeLike
Hugs to you all, Paul.
LikeLike
Paul and Jean we are so very sorry to hear this, our hearts go out to you both, deeply. He was an inspiration in every aspect. Its very hard to keep in mind that you both and all of us who are fortunate enough to have these wonderful loving beings, in our lives, accept us in theirs for just what we are. And if we pay that small amount of attention to that relationship, we will be the richer for it in the end, and they will sense and know that and always smile down on us. It has been said that when a dog stares at you, it is a sign of love and I know you both have felt that all these years and Pharaoh is doing just that right now.
Our best thoughts to you both,
Peter & leslie
LikeLike
Tears run down my cheeks as I read this wonderful poem and farewell. So sad. So special. So much love and loss.
May the love and memories help you through the difficult days ahead Paul and Jean 💛
LikeLike