Wednesday, February 24, 2010

My Dog

I know my blog posts are usually all in fun, dealing with such topics as: Taylor Swift being a robot, Luden's cough drops being more candy than medicine and the jingle for Skip It, but I actually wanted to write something a little more serious this time.



If you didn't hear on-air, my wife and I had to put our dog Casey down the other day. To everyone who has ever had to do this, please know my thoughts are with you as well, as it has been a few tough days for Christine and me. I also want to sincerely thank everyone who has sent me an email with their condolences- I cannot tell you how much that really means to me!




Casey was a 15 1/2 year old lab (which in human terms is like 6 billion years old) and she led an incredible life. I can't begin to tell you the stories, because frankly there are far, far too many.



We brought her into our home two years ago, my wife and her family had her since she as a puppy but at the time would could devote more time to her so she lived in our tiny apartment with us. Over the years, she would become arthritic. We would carry her outside and take her to doggie rehab, and do everything we could to help her live an enjoyable life. After working in rehab, doing plenty of exercises at home and using a countless supply of heat packs, she eventually reached the point where she could no longer get herself up. She would sit by our front window and watch other dogs run around and probably miss the days that she did the same. She also watched the cat she used to chase around the neighborhood and the children playing the same games they had for the previous few years.



We bought her a dog stroller to take her out and she enjoyed numerous trips to Princeton and New York (you can see these pictures in a previous blog post) but the average day was spent sitting at home waiting for us to arrive home from work, and though she couldn't get up and greet us, she fought with every ounce of strength she had to do so.



She had to have one eye removed this past year because of a tumor, but kept going after that(even donning goggles to protect her good eye while in her stroller.) Over the last few months, the pain Casey was in increased. We tried plenty of medications which helped her for a long time. However, about a week ago my wife had left for a business trip and Casey's pain seemed to increase significantly. I prayed that she would not pass away while my wife was across the country. She did not. Yet, when my wife returned we could plainly see that Casey was never comfortable. We tried some last ditch pain medications which helped for two days but eventually her pain was too great for even those meds.



On Monday February 22nd, we put Casey to sleep.




So, I didn't mean to get all sad and sentimental on you, tomorrow I will return to standard ridiculousness, but this blog is dedicated to my best friend - Casey.



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to read about Casey. Almost 2 years ago I had to put my GSD, Harley, to sleep for the very same reason - debilitating, painful arthritis. She had the will to live but her body was literally fighting against her. Thank you for sharing her story and please post some of the funny stories from Casey's healthy years when you have a chance!

My heart goes out to you & Christine,

Erin

Anonymous said...

Aw such a sweet story. So sorry for your lose. I had to put my dog to sleep at 16 after having him my entire life. You and your wife were amazing to her and she loves you, I hope one day you find another dog you can share your love with. Your truly a dog person.

jan minster said...

I am so sorry to hear about putting Casey down. Last year i had to do the same thing for my beloved Didi she was a 15 year old pugapoo so i can relate to what you are going thru. They may be gone but they will always be in our hearts.
God Bless You

teri said...

what a great post. she seems like a great dog.

Sometimes it makes me sad that we have to make these choices, especially if the pet is not in cardiac arrest, or something. I'm sure she appreciates the torment to be over. the days of chasing cats and playing with her friends, outside, was gone, so what was left to do.

I hope her memory is enough to bring you joy and not sorrow from her passing.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. For those who don't have animals, they think it is crazy how you worry about them and mourn them when they are mo longer around. I have gone through this most recently with a cat that I had for almost 20 years and my husband went through it his German Shepard that was 18. Even though they are an animal, they are family. Just remeber Casey is in a better place and no longer in pain.

Amey Lee said...

Im very sorry to hear about your loss! At least she is pain free now in puppy heaven :) I give you and your wife credit for making such a brave and hard decision. It take alot of courage to be able to let go for Casey's sake.

Toni Ryan said...

:( I am not a pet-owner, so I can only imagine what a sad time this is for you guys. That was a really nice post for Casey. I'm thinking about you guys. Casey was lucky to have such loving friends.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! As a pet owner, my husband and I absolutely love our little yorkie poo Rugby. He's one of the family. As I'm sure you did, we treasure our moments with him. Thanks for sharing your story.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Newman, what a wonderful tribute to your best friend. It brought back so many happy and sad memories for me. Unfortunately, this is something that never gets any easier as I have personally have had to go through this three times. I try and rejoice in the thought that now your friend and family member (as this is what they are)can do all of the things that they used to do in their youth now in "doggie heaven".

My best wishes are with you and Christine.

Donna said...

So very sorry for your loss. You and Christine and her family gave Casey an amazing life and now she is free to play again with all her animal friends in doggie heaven.