A doggone sad day

The picture of my dear Millie wearing a Christmas scarf, which was inscribed "fleas navidad", is a favorite. But as of September 26th, all I have now are memories of this extraordinary beagle and best friend. It took some time to even write about her, and tears well up in the eyes as I compose this eulogy. The smaller picture was taken on her last day, and my son took it at my request.

Millie had contracted a fast growing cancer sometime this past summer,up in Missouri, and we had taken her to our family vet twice for x-rays. We knew she'd not survive, and chemo therapy or surgery would not defeat the cancer, only extend her perhaps weeks, and that would only be to make us feel better as the dog worsened. She made the last trip south in the car, but clearly she was not her old self. Calling her "old" may have been the wrong word, as she was only eleven years and one month when her time came, about five years short of my prior beagles. She was my best girl, because after I retired she was with me always....a constant companion. My daughter brought her into my life one year after losing my prior beagle, when Caitlin was still in high school. A black & white photo, shot by Caitlin for a photography class, sits in my new den. Her "Executive Beagle" name tag/picture ID from my old job, taken prior to 2003, sits in my top desk drawer. There are reminders of this dear friend elsewhere, and her image is seared into my brain. She may be gone from this life, but she'll live with me forever.

My son went with me to the vet on the island, who looked at the x-rays taken up north and concurred it would be best for all to end her life with peace and dignity. J.B. sent me out of the room, and held her quietly as the vet gave her something to relax her and make her drowsy, before administering the final shot. I was a mess that day, and probably days thereafter - hence no recent blogging.

Yesterday, or maybe it was the day before, I took her three dog beds (all in good condition and laundered) to donate to a friend who works with no-kill shelters and rescue organizations. Millie had a Missouri bed, a Florida bed, and a Corvette traveling bed. Hopefully, three dogs who've not had the love we gave Millie will enjoy this gift, and I know I feel better having done so.

Hopefully, this blog will be somewhat cathartic, and I can move on and start writing as there is much to tell, of happier note and times. God Bless Millie the Beagle, she is now with Schautzie, Cassie, Fancy, and Lucky - I have five wonderful bitches waiting for me in heaven. All dogs do go to heaven, after all.