He was told she was just going through the awkward puppy phase. He never thought anything of it when they had first met. She was clumsy which was very much unlike himself. 'She's just growing into herself.' He'd tell himself whenever she bumped into something. Still even knowing what he did now he wouldn't have chosen another dog. She was his little Mammoth. Sure, it added the title of puppy-taxi to his already impressive collection of achievements but he needed something to do when he wasn't busy jumping across rooftops or training the new recruits
Her black fur even blended in with his suit which only made her a permanent fixture in his arms whenever he was home. It was a match made in heaven or at least it was supposed to be.
The time between the two was cut short. What should have been a good ten years of good memories suddenly turned into three months. Two weeks of testing had found a neurological disease that had rapidly been spreading. For a week straight he force fed her in hopes that just maybe she would get better but she never did. It was only after returning from a nighttime patrol that he picked her up and felt just how much weight she had lost. Her eyes once filled with wonder were now dulled with agony. Her once seal sounding barks no longer came. The final sign was when she found herself unable to properly stand on her own. She had even peed on him several times when he had picked her up to escort her around the house.
It wasn't easy to set a date but a mere two days after he had picked her up. She's been to a lot of vets recently but it doesn't bother her. Even her hatred of his car is lack in when he loads her up. She hates car rides and he knows that this is her final one. There's a room prepared already. They wait for what seems like an eternity for the vet to enter. She explains the process and it's simple. They'll inject a sleeping agent into her system and once she's asleep they'll administer the drug that will stop her heart.
He nods his understanding. He's been telling her goodbye all day and while he will never be ready, it's time to say goodbye. It's not right for her to suffer and he knows he's making the right choice.
He holds her head up as they administer the first drug. He alerts the vet when her head becomes heavy and that's when the second drug is injected. Thirty seconds later he's told she's passed peacefully and his mind questions it. How is she dead when there hasn't been any changes? As he rises he sets her head down and it looks like she's merely resting. He can still feel her head in his hand and he doubts he will ever forget it. Her eyes are now lifeless yet her body is still warm. He's crying again but only for a few moments. He's cried enough today so he makes his way out of the vets office intent on going home and clearing his head. Only one thing is sure. Nightwing won't be going out tonight.
I'm writing this on my phone so I don't know how long it will end up being but it needed to be written. My girlfriend and I had to put our puppy down tonight and I needed to get these feelings out. She didn't get to live to see her first birthday and we received four months with our little Mammoth. It's raining tonight so no one can see the moon right now just like we can't see our moon anymore. RIP Luna, my little Mammoth