Chapter 103 – Goodbye to Love
The news shocked Dad. He was hoping Enzo’s numbers would improve by the end of the weekend, so he could bring him home on Monday. But instead, the vet to asked him to come in on a Sunday when they were closed. That was not a good sign. In his heart of hearts, he hoped maybe if Enzo saw him, he might perk up.
Merlot had been wondering where her boyfriend had been. She watched Dad take him away and then never come back. What had happened to him? Enzo was her rock. He gave her confidence to explore and relax. She was his little shadow. Without him to lead, she had become more timid. Dad scooped up Merlot and said, “Merlot, I know you hate going to the vet, but I think you’d better come with me. Enzo is not doing well.”
It was a gray, drizzly day as the two drove in silence over the hill to the vet. Dad dreaded what was coming. He carried Merlot into the examination room and set her on the table. Liz, the vet tech, brought Enzo into the examination room and set him down on a towel on the table beside Merlot.
“Hey Enzo, what’s going on?” asked Dad in the most cheerful voice he could muster, “I hear you’re not doing well.” Enzo looked up at Dad. He was glad to see him. His front leg was splayed out. He tried to bend it, but couldn’t. He wobbled as he tried to stand up. Dad helped him up, but it was no use. Enzo collapsed on the table. Enzo thought, “Dad, I not feel good.”
“Ooohhh, Enzo,” cried Dad, his heart breaking as he scooped him up in his arms, “No, how can it be? You seemed so healthy a week ago.” At that moment, he realized that they had reached the end of the road. Enzo was not going home. They had tried everything they could to save him, but it was no use. His kidneys were failing, and there was nothing they could do.
Liz reiterated, “As Dr. Deng said, we just checked his creatinine level, and it’s back up to 7.8. He’s in end-stage renal failure. His kidneys can’t filter the toxins out of his blood. It’s just a matter of time. You need to consider euthanizing him. I’m sorry. I’ll give you some time.” She quietly slipped out of the room.
The words “euthanizing him” stabbed through Dad’s heart. He had to make the agonizing decision for his buddy – his best friend. Enzo meant more to him than any living being in the world. How could he end his life? He weighed the alternatives. If he waited another day, Enzo might die alone in the hospital at night. If he took him home, he might die a slow agonizing death overnight when the vet was closed.
Dad set Enzo back on the table with Merlot. “Hey, Merlot,” said Enzo. Enzo dragged himself over to her and laid on top of her to give her a hug. Enzo said, “My body give out. I not have much time. I have to say goodbye. I wuv you. You were da best girlfriend!”
Merlot cried, “Noooo, Enzo! You can’t leave me! You’re my rock. I need you!”
Enzo said, “I sorry. I have to go. You be OK. I taught you ebry ting. Beg for treats. Mark your territory. Oh, and you need to write da blog now.”
Merlot exclaimed, “Write the blog? I don’t know how to write a blog!”
Enzo reassured her, “You do OK. Dad help you. Your English better dan mine! Promise me you take care of Dad like I did when Abigail left. He need you.”
Merlot didn’t know what to do. It was all so overwhelming. She said, “I promise. I love you, too. Thanks for helping me get into the House of Buns. You were the best boyfriend.” She had one last request, “Enzo, when you earn your angel wings, try to send us another bun just like you.”
Enzo replied, “OK, I try.”
Dad picked up Enzo again and hugged him to his chest. He fought back the tears as he said, “Of the hundreds of rabbits I’ve met, you are the best bun ever. You have such a big heart. You have the kindest soul. You mean more to me than anyone. I don’t want to lose you, but we tried everything. There’s nothing left we can do. I’m SO sorry. I can’t fix you this time. I love you SO much. I don’t want you to suffer. As hard as it is, the best gift I can give you is to let you go to sleep peacefully in my arms, knowing that you are loved.”
Enzo thought, “Dad, you da best bun dad. I sorry I can’t stay longer. Tanks for saving me. You gave me the best bun life. I happy. I wuv you.”
Liz came back in the room. She asked, “Have you decided what you want to do?”
With a hoarse voice, Dad replied, “Yes. I don’t want to. But it’s time to let him go.”
Merlot sensed the end was near. Nervously, she dug and chewed on the towel.
Enzo relaxed in Dad’s arms. He could feel Dad stroke his head and ears. He recalled the many times they had done this. He heard Dad say, “I love you. Say hi to Abigail for us.” His beautiful blue eyes glazed over as he fell asleep for the last time.
As his body went limp, Dad’s heart shattered into a million pieces.
In lieu of flowers, Enzo requested that a donation be made to The Rabbit Haven rabbit rescue, who helped Dad get him out of the shelter: https://www.therabbithaven.org/donate Please follow up with an email to Auntie Heather at director@therabbithaven.org to let her know that your donation was in honor of Enzo.
If you wish to send a message to Dad and/or Merlot, you can send an email through Belinda at Belinda@smallpetselect.com
