Casey

Casey 1996-2007

Casey had been eating sporadically for the past month, but she stopped eating altogether 3 days ago. She spent all day yesterday laying on the floor, barely moving, and was only able to walk with great difficulty. Her breathing was shallow and rapid. She was obviously in some discomfort. I made an appointment with her vet for this morning, but knew what the outcome would be.

Amy had asked that I let her know when Casey was dying. She and Mark had adopted her as a puppy almost 11 years ago, and then gave her to me when they split up half a year later. Amy came over to spend a few hours with Casey yesterday evening. Dave also stopped by to see Casey one last time.

This morning, I carried her out to the truck, and Mark held her as we drove to the vet. The vet took x-rays and determined that Casey had 2 large masses (probably cancer) in her abdomen. I didn't want Casey to suffer, and made the difficult choice to have her put to sleep. I stroked and comforted her as the vet gave her a shot. She slowly drifted off, and died 2 minutes later.

Last night I had made a plywood coffin for her. I wrapped her in her old blanket and placed her in the coffin. I wanted to make sure that Adam understood that Casey had died, and let him see and sniff her in the coffin before I closed it up. Dogs have an instinctual understanding of death, and Adam definitely understood. Dave helped me dig a grave for her in the backyard garden, and Dave, Mark and I laid her to rest.

I spent a lot of time crying yesterday and today, but I know I did what was best for Casey. We will all miss her.


Casey as a puppy with Mark, 1997