I had to take Kesey to the vet today to have him put down. He’s been going downhill for the past several months. He kept falling down and often wasn’t able to get to his feet. His hips were in horrible shape. When he stopped eating, I knew it was time.
But that didn’t make it any easier.
The folks at the vet must have thought I was nuts. This 6-4, 260 pound guy bawling his eyes out over a poor old collie. They were very kind, offering to send me the bill rather than make me stand at the front counter with tears in my eyes as they ran my credit card. He went peacefully, and before I took him in, I drove him around for about 45 minutes with all the windows down. He even managed to get to his feet for a short while, sticking his long narrow muzzle out the window and reveling in the cool April morning.
Kesey was a great dog. We only had him for two years. I brought him home after someone dumped him up at Melton Hill Park. But they were two good years. He fit in well with the rest of the pack and filled Bubba’s role as the elder male. I’ll miss the old guy.
Goodbye, old man. And thanks for being a loyal, devoted friend.
4 replies on “And then there were four …”
i’m SO sorry, bob! kesey was a very cool old guy and you were very both fortunate to have the last two years together. i suppose that packs naturally evolve over time but that doesn’t make it any easier. it sounds like you had a quality parting tho.
I’m so sorry, Bob, but know that you made Kesey very happy. You gave him love, and he appreciated it. The thought of your last drive together has me sitting here at my desk tearing up.
And I didn’t wear waterproof mascara!
Sorry for your loss. Don’t know if you remember our cat, Wobegon, but we finally had to do the same this past October – the little guy made 17 years. Hard to believe that the first time I saw him, he fit in Pam Mee’s pocket. No shame in shedding tears, my friend. It’s the final act of love.
Thanks, Bill. I do remember Wobegon. Sorry to hear he died, but 17 years is a pretty cool lifespan, I guess. Also, Pam Mee is a blast from the past. I think Chitwood used to call her the Bumble Mee. Ah, Destin. Those were the days.