Rudy's Passing

Poor Rudy Chick gave up her fight at 8:30 tonight. Kristen is devastated. As much as we knew that this was going to be the probable outcome to this venture, that knowledge brings no relief to our hearts. At least, we have pictures and video of these days to remember meeting and caring for Rudy while she was here with us. 

Rudy died in my hand with me patting her head, talking softly to her. We told her that she had fought well and that it was okay to rest now. We said how much we enjoyed caring for her and that we loved her and would remember her. For a large part of the day, Rudy had slept. She refused food and water all afternoon and into the evening, no matter how often we urged her to eat and drink. At the end, Rudy opened her eyes and then, I felt her body relax. She did not seem to be in pain, at all. Other than her having a miraculous recovery, that was as much as I could hope for; that she be at peace and that she not die alone.

As much as it hurts, I would do it all again if I needed to.