Goodbye

At 4PM on Tuesday, June 7th with his usual calm, Dash left this world with a gentle and final breath under the care of Dr. Fine at the Claremont Veterinary Hospital. I'm not sure what to write. No words can capture the love, the sorrow, the heart wrenching pain or the empty place that fills my heart where Dash used to reside. I would give anything to bury my face in his fur, kiss his nose and nibble his ears again. That it was time I don't question. So for now I morn his passing and visit the places we once shared and feel his presence in every way I can through memories which while sad are sweet and dear. That's all for now. A few photos of our last day with Dash.

Lots of this... sitting with him as he rested. More breaks, more frequent...

One of the sweetest things in Dashes care was Kathleen's grooming. So gentle. He would fall asleep in her care

While I'm sure Kathleen did this often it was the first time I noticed her lean over to embrace him. A final walk  which he greatly enjoyed at Point Isabel

A bit of merriment. He showed his zeal for life all the way to the end of it

The alligator had no chance. Once of Dash's favorite games was the destruction of stuffed animals. 

Counter surfing while always a game he relished, was typically not allowed. On Monday night he shredded... and was well rewarded for his efforts with a stream of tasty cheese and other treats 

Slowing down

Dash finally is outwardly manifesting his illness in more tangible ways. We still visit the dog park (we like both Joaquin Miller and the one in Alameda) and he's pleased as punch to be there but doesn't seem to have any umph. No romps, no mad dashes, no bowing and playing. Just smiles and grins, lots of panting and occasional barking sprees to see if he can generate some interest from either dogs at play or me on a chair. Watching. Waiting. Wondering.

For the first time I felt mad. I looked at him and he's glorious and beautiful and while he's all skin and bones, his majesty still is preeminent in my eyes. So why is he sick now when he should be in the prime of his life? This anger is followed by sadness and then by my will to be present with him each day that I have him. To relish each day whatever sort of day it is for the little man.

After a short walk in the hills with Don on a rainy day, Dash snuggles up. Nice.

At "play" in the dog park. "It's nice here" he says "I think I'll relax and eat some tasty dirt"

This is a bit out of context but it's so great. Taken by Stephanie Felch. The boy is focused on everything coming his way. Stephanie titled it "Speedin'" Ain't that the truth...