The Hardest Goodbye - Farewell, Dear Ebbi 2 June 2024
We couldn't see Daniel, Mona and the children very often, even though they were visiting. It just wasn't possible - we simply had no time. In the blink of an eye, everything had changed, and suddenly nothing was the same.
## When Everything Turned
From one moment to the next, Ebbi became really ill. We took her to the vet immediately. He initially still thought it might be a hormonal problem. But he was already thinking ahead and wanted to run various tests. Ebbi stayed at the practice for six hours, and when we picked her up, we were asked to come back the next morning. They wanted to do more tests with her.
Of course, we did that too.
## The Devastating Diagnosis
Then came the sobering news that turned our world upside down. Ebbi has a kidney problem - congenital, something we hadn't noticed. One kidney no longer functions at all, and there's no way to make it work again. The other kidney is barely working anymore.
I was supposed to make a decision right away. I couldn't. Michael wasn't there either, and she's really his dog.
## The Last Hours Together
I took medication home with me - painkillers and other preparations that help with the symptoms but not with the disease itself, because there's nothing for that. The vet explained that these medications might buy us some time. At the same time, he gave me his phone number and said, "You can reach me over the weekend if you need me." I thought I wouldn't need to. Or rather, I was convinced I wouldn't.
On Friday afternoon, we went for a walk with her in the forest. It was shadier there, and she really enjoyed it. She was so sweet and even walked along bravely with us.
In the evening we were with her by the sea. She didn't want to walk anymore. She went to the spot where she had rested with Maya when we first came here. She looked around, let her gaze sweep across the sea one more time, and then she wanted to go home.
## She Knew It Herself
That evening, she refused her tablets. She didn't want to anymore - you could tell.
When I went outside with her the next morning, she didn't want to walk there either. She made one complete loop around the house, looked at me, and I knew what she was trying to tell me.
## A Peaceful Farewell
Then I called the vet, and we made a beautiful spot in the garden on the lawn. It was very peaceful. We were all gathered there - the cats were there too, a bit further away, but somehow we were all there.
Even though it was peaceful, it was still terrible.
Since yesterday, we no longer have Ebbi. It breaks my heart.
She was more than just a dog - she was family, companion, friend. The silence she leaves behind is almost unbearable. But I'm grateful for all the years we were allowed to have with her, and that in the end she could go peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her.
