MY DOG ……. A SURPRISE FOR ME
OR
HOW I FINALLY GOT HIM!
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PAGE THIRTY
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LaVern Baker (1929-1997) – I Cried a Tear (1958)
(written by Fred Jay (1914-1988) & Al Julia (1910-1988)
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The Day was not to look like any of these days
I’d like to be able to say that the 25th May, 2024 was cold and foggy. But it wasn’t! I’d like to be able to say that the day was gray and miserable with rain coming down. But, again, it wasn’t! It was looking like the day would be bright, an ideal day to be enjoyed outside. Yet I was feeling as if the world was about to come to an end.
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It was early on Saturday morning, the 25th day of May. It was already sunny and bright. Alas, however, this day was to be a day to be remembered, but for all the wrong reasons.
Dawn of the 25th May, 2024
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I had been awake for most of the previous night and had spent it on the floor of my sitting room. Casanova/Puppy had spent the night not too far away. Unlike me, he had only moved slightly during this time. He had passed the whole of the previous day lying there very still and had neither eaten nor drank very much during this time. When I got up, I managed to get him to go into the garden where he was able to urinate a little.
Outside, I noticed that there were squirrels running around the garden along with birds looking for seeds and worms. Normally, Casanova/Puppy would have chased them and they would have escaped by retreating to nearby trees. But today, he took no notice of them and had no interest in remaining outside.
When he returned to the house, he ignored the fresh water in his bowl that I had placed close to one of his favourite resting places in the sitting room. He lay down again and closed his eyes. He lay there motionless except for the slow shallow breathing noted by the movement of his abdomen.
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The Remains of Casanova/Puppy’s spot under the now-trimmed Azalea Bush and no longer used.
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Being a physician, I have taken care of a number of people that died. The vast majority of them were aged and had long lived the three-score-years-and-ten that we believe to be our due. I have even experienced many who passed long before reaching this age either through an accident or else from a horrible aliment. I have also experienced my own parents passing and a number of friends.
And so I thought that I would be prepared for the eventual passing of my wonderful dog, Casanova/Puppy. He was three weeks shy of reaching his fourteenth year, which I am told is beyond the normal age reached by Labradors. I was lucky since although he had developed an illness when he was about eleven, it did not seem to impede his life, not until a few days ago.
I believed, or at least hoped, that he had lived a happy life with me. I had always tried to give him good food to eat and a nice home to live in. I hope that he enjoyed being able to run around my garden.
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I knew that his passing at this time would be the best for him since he had quite suddenly refused to eat or drink and had lain still for his last three days with only an occasional slow walk outside to relieve himself, which he did, I believe, only to please me.
The Final Photograph of Casanova/Puppy & Me at Our Home
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Eventually it was time for me to get ready to take Casanova/Puppy to the Vet. for the final time. I remember moving around the house as if my legs and feet were made of lead and going from room to room in slow motion. At last it was time to go. I had managed to get Casanova/Puppy on his feet and then to the outside where we were to wait for my friends to arrive.
Casanova/Puppy with Friends
Our friends arrived at exactly 10 a.m. and he was led to their car. He walked slowly and steadily, and for once, he tail hung down between his legs. I had never seen him do this before. At the car, and as was his way, he wanted to sit in the front seat, but he was eased into the backseat with me.
Casanova/Puppy always believed that he should drive!
The Beatles – Baby you can drive my car
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We drove to the Animal Hospital with Casanova/Puppy for the final time and moved along the various roads that led to the Animal Hospital. During the ride he moved away from me. Someone told me later that this was his way to help me ease away from him. It did not work. I put my hand on his neck and gently stroked him throughout the whole journey.
We pulled into the parking area of the Hospital and he was encouraged to get out of the car. This he did and he then walked up the ramp, again with his tail between his legs, and into the back examination room. This area has its own entrance thereby allowing us not to enter the waiting room.
On the floor of the room, a padded blanket had been placed, which he promptly sat upon, and after a few minutes, he lay down and closed his eyes. Here he waited to embark on his journey to the Rainbow Bridge.
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Across The Rainbow Bridge
There is a legend that says when an animal dies and has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for everyone’s special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and here they are happy and comfortable as they wait.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as they are remembered in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing ……. they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
The one that was left behind has been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face. Your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your special friend, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart ……. and then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Reproduced from Across The Rainbow Bridge
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I noticed a jar on the examination table that was labelled Goodbye Kisses and filled with pieces of chocolate in the form of Hershey’s Kisses. The staff of the Vet’s office believed that no dog should go to the Rainbow Bridge without first having tasted chocolate.
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I got up and took a few of the Hershey Kisses from the jar and then unwrapped one and got down on the floor and offered it to Casanova/Puppy. He refused it.
I was sorry about this, as I would have liked him to taste chocolate, after all, he had often pestered me for some when he caught me eating a piece. I am told that I have a soft heart, which is probably true, since I hated to say NO to him. Of course I didn’t give him any chocolate, which caused him to develop that special look of hurt on his face, which told me that he was upset by my unwillingness to share. Naturally I felt guilty about this! I should add that he always expected to eat whenever I ate!
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I remained on the floor and continued to stroke him gently. After a few minutes, a staff member entered the room and asked a number of questions. I gave the necessary answers and she told me what was going to happen. I paid little attention to what she actually said, but nodded my head or grunted a sound to mean that I understood.
Next, a couple of other staff members entered the room and went about gaining Intra-Venous (IV) access in one of his front paws connected to a short cannula. Now all was ready for the Vet.
Sam & Ashleigh
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When this was finished, I offered him a Hershey Kiss once more, but he continued to refuse it.
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Sarah Brightman (1960) & Andrea Bocelli (1958) – Con Te Partirò (Time to Say Goodbye)
Music Written by Francesco Sartori (1957) & Lyrics written by Lucio Quarantotto (1957-2012)
English Lyrics written by Frank Peterson (1963)
A Final Adieu from Friends
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Not long afterwards, the Vet. and her associate came into the room and greetings were exchanged. The Vet. got down on the floor and sat close to Casanova/Puppy and began to explain the procedure that was about to take place.
The Vet. (Left) & an Associate
They briefly left the room and returned with two small bottles along with a couple of syringes and needles. The Vet. said that the first injection would calm Casanova/Puppy and allow him to fall into a deep sleep. She next filled one of the syringes with the liquid from the first bottle and then administered it into him via the IV access and allowed a few minutes to pass.
Finally, the Vet. filled the second syringe with the contents of the second bottle and said that this would stop his heart and other organs from functioning. She gave him the injection and then told me that Casanova/Puppy had now passed away.
And now I would never be able to look again into those beautiful brown eyes
Or see his wonderful tail wagging
Or receive the occasional whack from it!
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The Vet. got up from the ground while telling me that I was free to stay with Casanova/Puppy for as long as I wished. I thanked her and her associate for their help and consideration and then they left the room.
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‘Feel free to stay for as long as you wish’ was what the Vet. kindly said as she left the room. I thought about this – ‘Feel free to stay for as long as you wish’. No matter how long I was to stay, it could never be long enough. Now I was alone with Casanova/Puppy. I got down on the ground to be close to my wonderful dog.
Suddenly I was filled with emptiness and a feeling of being alone. I stroked him behind his ears, which he always enjoyed. I stroked his chest and abdomen, but could feel no movement. Casanova/Puppy was gone!
Skeeter Davis (1931-2004) – The End of The World (1962)
Written by Arthur Kent (1920-2009) & Sylvia Dee (1914-1967)
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I looked at the best dog in the world lying motionless on the floor with eyes closed and felt an overwhelming want for him to be alive and well.
As I sat there stroking him, my mind wandered to days past and to happier times. I wanted to see him in the garden guarding his fence and chasing back-and-forth while the Postwoman was delivering her letters! I wanted him to bark at a passerby that he deemed unpleasant and who he wanted gone. And yes, I wanted him to battle me for my bed! I wanted him to lick my hands and face again and I wanted to complain about his licking my legs! And I wanted to spoil him just one more time and sit with him on his couch and stroke him!
But most of all, I wanted him to get up from the floor and walk out of the examining room and come home and stay with me! But alas, none of these things were possible.
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I have no idea how long I stayed with my beloved dog, but I eventually remembered that my friends were waiting outside for me and I did not want to keep them waiting too long.
And so, after kissing him goodbye again and giving him a final pat, I got up and moved to the door. I opened it, but before leaving, I turned back one last time. He remained stationary which had he been alive would never have happened. I closed the door and made my way down the ramp to rejoin my friends and make my way home to an empty house.
Earl Grant (1931-1970) – The End (1958) – Written by Jimmy Krondes & Sid Jacobson (1929-2022)
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A heart-breaking tale of Casanova’s death. This is the sad part of owning a pet – there will always be a time when you have to say goodbye. The one consolation is that you have many happy times to look back on.
Jean: Many thanks for visiting my website and for leaving a comment. I am very fortunate since we shared many happy times together. Charles
Charles, thank you for sharing with me the last moments with Puppy. It was very touching and sad, but I want you to remember all the happy and funny times. I know it is difficult now, but with time the moment WILL come when those memories will be front and center and thinking of him will make you happy.
Bona: Thank you very much for visiting my website and for leaving a very kind message. Charles
Casanova’s memories continue to live on, a lasting reflection of the joy and happiness he brought your life. It is reminding me of wonderful moments that will forever live in both our hearts.
Kyle: Thanks for leaving a comment.
Thank you for sharing this poignant and emotional description of the last day with your dog. It brings back memories for me of my dog Midnight the day we spent with her before bringing her to the vet the last time.
Thank you so much for visiting my website and for taking time to write and send a comment. Charles
N: Thank you for visiting my website and for leaving a comment. Dogs can break the heart. Regards.
Charles, my face is bathed in tears! This was such a moving account of Casanova/Puppy’s final day. At least you have the consolation of knowing that it was the right time to say goodbye. Had you waited longer, he would have suffered unnecessarily. It was fortunate that up until very recently, he enjoyed the good health that you so lovingly helped him maintain. You both took care of each other. RIP to my favorite canine protagonist—I’ll be rereading his adventures in the years ahead! Charles
Linda: Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad that you enjoyed this tale and the others. Charles
Linda: Thanks very much for your kind comments. I hope that you continue to enjoy these stories in the future. Charles
Thank you Charles for the very moving moments spent with your faithful companion Casanova/Puppy. You made the last years of his life extremely happy with a good environment, health checks, treats, diet etc. And lots and lots of love, in fact overwhelming with love. (Yes, the sadness has reminded me of my own loyal canine friend.) His departure has left a huge hole in your life. Only time can heal the hurt of his passing. RIP CASANOVA PUPPY