- He slept on the floor beside John's side of the bed.
- Started the other dogs in a joyful chorus of hello's everytime we came home.
- Was the only dog I ever knew who said 'thank you' whenever you did something nice for him. (He would affectionately bite your hair.)
- Kept a vigilant watch out in the fight to keep the squirrels from infiltrating our territory.
- Loved it when John would sneak him a hamburger patty with no condiments.
Last night his brain tumor progressed to the point that it was causing him pain. After two months of suffering from seizures and simply not feeling well, he began a chorus of terrible groans. We took him to the emergency vet clinic where we learned the pressure on his eye was causing him pain and that though they could drug him to manage it, the situation would only get worse as the tumor grew.
Bethany was able to join us before we said goodbye. She brought him a hamburger, and perhaps the most telling thing about his condition was that he couldn't eat it.
John prayed and thanked God for the gift that Casey has been to our lives and the doctor gave him a shot after midnight and he slipped away as we huddled around him and stroked his fur.
It is weird that there is a hole in our house where his presence used to be. Even sick, there was a comfortable, steady 'dog-ness' that is now absent. We will get Casey's ashes in a few days and take him to the disc golf course where he and John used to run.
I think about that now. That somewhere Casey is in heaven running and smiling. I'm a deep believer that one day I will see him again.
8 comments
Cathy, How very sad. Loved your tribute to Casey. I still remember the dog we had when we were growing up. Special memories. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cathy, I'm so very sorry. We know how it feels to have a dog as a part of the family - I don't even want to think about losing Hunnie one day. Thanks for sharing your memories...praying for comfort for you and your family.
Awww. Andy sends his love to Lucky and Toby...and Peter and Nancy send love to their people.
Awwh Cathy.. Now I'm blubbering at work. I cried with my brother when he lost his Andy dog this year... and as we pondered the thought of do All Dogs Go to Heaven? I'm with you, God wouldn't give us these amazing creatures if we wouldn't be reunited with them one day... I cried like a baby when I had to do the same thing with my Sophie girl many years ago... I can't think about having to do this with my Dude dog. They are truly members of the family and I'll pray for you. But be at peace that you guys did the right thing for Casey and didn't prolong his suffering because you couldn't let go. We owe that to our faithful companions. *hugs*
There's no way we won't see our pets again in Heaven. Sending love and prayers.
So sorry to hear Cathy. I dread when the day comes that we have to put one of ours down.
I am so sorry for your loss. Deciding the best time for them so that they don't have to suffer but still getting as much time as possible with our loved ones is one of the most difficult decisions a person has to make. I am sure you gave Casey a great life. Maybe you can try a Rescue collie. Collies that have had a rough life show their appreciation and shine once they have finally found that place that they are loved!
Jim,
Debra at Honeytree Collies recommended I connect with texascollierescue.org. I sent an e-mail this morning.
We are content to take this slow. We want to make sure we have a really good match.
BTW, thanks for taking time to read about our Casey. I love it that his legacy lives on a bit.
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