I Have Lost My Most Faithful Companion

Over the past seven years I’ve primarily written content for Fuel Lines that was specifically about agency new business. Rarely have I written anything personal. I hope you will grant me this exception.

Since starting my consultancy and working from my home office, my constant companion each day has been our tiny Yorkie Terrier, Bracie. When it was time to start my work day and I headed up the stairs, she was always right by my side. It wasn’t good enough for her to be in the same room with me, she had to sit as close to me as she could get.

When we first brought Bracie home I thought my wife and I had lost our minds. We were almost “empty nesters” now stuck with this tiny little puppy that had a big attitude. It was totally beneath Bracie to be considered someone’s pet. From the start she demanded the status of a family member.  It didn’t take her long to win over my heart.

Shortly after Bracie turned nine, in March of this year, we discovered that she had an acute kidney disease. Her health deteriorated rapidly. She endured days hooked up to IV machines and monitors, countless pricks and pokes as tests were conducted. When the medical staff had done all that they could do for her, I had to make the decision to put an end to her suffering.

As hard as it was, I wanted to be with Bracie till the end. I asked for a private room at our vet’s clinic and was able to hold her, talk to her and comfort her until she peacefully took her last breath.

I knew how much I cared for her but I didn’t realize how deeply I would hurt. Especially having to make the call that would end her life. I happened upon the following poem that brought a lot of comfort to me and I hope that it will do the same for others faced with this kind of decision.

The Last Battle poem for those having to end the life of a pet

A stroll with Bracie on the beach.

Thank you for allowing me to share something so personal with you. It has been therapeutic for me. Especially since Bracie has been present since the beginning of Fuel Lines and was by my side as I wrote almost every article. I wanted you know her and in some small way pay tribute to this small life that brought me and my family so much joy.

About Michael Gass

Consultant | Trainer | Author | Speaker

Since 2007, he has been pioneering the use of social media, inbound and content marketing strategies specifically for agency new business.

He is the founder of Fuel Lines Business Development, LLC, a firm which provides business development training and consulting services to advertising, digital, media and PR agencies.

Comments

  1. I appreciated this note from one of my Fuel Lines’ readers:

    At first I wasnt sure if you could convince me, or justify in anyway about writing about Bracie in your blog. But I must say, I snjoyed it after reading it, the human fuel line has come out, which I believe is what makes your blog so great. Do not worry if Bracie won’t be physically beside you everyday, that is not important, instead think from her point of view. You were beside her even to the very last moment of her life. She suffered real agony, but your love made it all better. Don’t be selfish to her, be happy instead, she wouldn’t like to see you this way. Be happy Michael, an I know it hurts, but turn this energy to goodness. Transform it, do something for Bracie everyday for the rest if your life. Thank you for your blog, but mostly, thank you for being brave an showing the human side of Michael 🙂
    Have a better day, and do something, give your wife a kiss from Bracies part, I’m sure she’s watching!
    Take care.
    Gerardo.

  2. Michael, thank you for sharing! Watching our beloved pets (who are family) suffer and leave us so soon is never easy. I’m sure that Bracie is still watching over you and enjoying the new little bundle of joy from above. Blessings to you and your family.

  3. Thank you so very much for your thoughtful comment.

  4. slvaselaney says

    So sorry for your loss, Michael.

  5. Thank you!

  6. Michael:
    This is a beautiful post, and such a lovely tribute to your sweet Bracie. There is no doubt in my mind that she was loved and cherished by your family, and that she adored you as well.

  7. Traci, you are always an inspiration. Thank you.

  8. Very kind of you. Thanks Traci.

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