Sad news from home.

Yesterday was a sad day for me and my daughter Abbie.  She's been at home taking care of things and our little dog Poppy whilst I'm here in Sri Lanka.
Poppy has had congestive heart failure for about 9months and has been doing well on medicaiton to manage her condition.  We knew what the eventual outcome would be for her. 
She was 13 years old when diagnosed and was now approaching 14 years.
When I left to come to Sri Lanka, she was coping well with her condition on the mediction but as things happened, over the last 2 weeks, her condition became worse. I was in daily contact with Abbie and advising her on what Poppy's needs were and helping her manage.
Consequently, yesterday I received a call from a very distressed Abbie.  She had taken Poppy to the vet for the 3rd time in a week.  Her breathing had become shallow and frequent, her chest cavity had expanded with the accumulated fluid.  She had had a fluid injection earlier, that helped for a short time but her condition overall was no better.
Abbie and Poppy were sitting in the car in the vet carpark, Abbie was crying telling me that Poppy was so very sick and what should she do.
I asked her the condition of Poppy and she was resting on the seat, I asked her to go home and call me.  I knew the time had come to make that very hard decision.
I am so far away and yet I knew that I had to help Abbie through this.
Thankfully my dear friend Leanne's daughter in law is in the Vet business and had offered to come to our home and give the injection when the time had come.  I called and asked her to arrange that, the time had come for our little dog.  How could we let her suffer.
Abbie needed support so I called my brother Steven, fortunately he wasn't at work and could go.  He did that quickly and knew what one of his tasks would be.  Preparing a place to put Poppy to rest.
I was able to speak with Abbie just before the injection was administered, the phone line was good.  Padmini was also there to lend support so I spoke with her whilst Abbie comforted Poppy.  It was a very sad moment as I was at the other end of the phone listening to Abbie cry and could do nothing to help her.  I am so far away.
All too soon it was over.  What seemed like an eternity, Abbie finally took the phone.  She was sobbing and telling me how sorry she was that it had to happen before I arrived home.  I assured her that we needed to do the best thing for little Poppy and making her wait until I came home was selfish and not the best thing for her.
Fortunately Steven insisted that Abbie spend the night with them which is fantastic.  They will talk about our little dog and help her through the emotions.
Later in the evening, she sent me an sms to say that she was glad she was at Steven's and although she was feeling really sad and upset, now she realises that the best decision was made for Pop and was glad that it could be done in our home as not to distress Poppy anymore than was necessary.
This little dog was a part of our family for close to 14 years, she brought us so much joy and laughter at her antics and habits.  We'll miss her.
I am so very fortunate to have such wonderful people around me.  When I need their help and ask, they are there.  Thank you Steven, Denise, Christopher, Leanne and Pamini.

I realised that I've forgotten to write about my visit to Wellaragama School at Mihintale.  Today I don't have the heart to do that.  I will do it soon.