Friday, October 29, 2010

Melancholy

On Tuesday we buried our dear Caspar, down along the fence line next to Miss Roo, whose grave is now covered with Meadow Rue.  What will we plant to remember this wonderful companion who has given us so much joy these last fifteen years?


Lately he spent much of his time sleeping, as many elderly gentlemen are wont to do.  His little boney spine reminded us that quite possibly he was suffering arthritic pain, and sometimes his back legs collapsed under him.  He was blind and deaf, so that we were careful not to move anything out of its accustomed place. He gave up begging for treats, sitting up ramrod straight and waving his paws in the air, all eagerness and happy anticipation.  When Dot, the dispenser of biccies, came for coffee in the morning he often slept through her visit, and when Frank cut the Thanksgiving Turkey there was no little dog at his feet, impatiently awaiting whatever might drop to the floor or be handed down surreptitiously.




 He hadn't bitten our grandson's toes for some years, and the toys he used to run for and retrieve sat in their basket, forlorn and lonely for his attention.  Life had lost its glow.....



As his needs grew I spent more time with him, - very aware of his bladder, walking him half a dozen times a day, with our first outside visit at five a.m. and the last at bedtime.  We learned to move quietly and not to make any sudden noises that seemed to startle and frighten him.  And now our freedom from these concerns are little darts that remind us he has left us.....

A few years ago we stopped taking him with us when we were out in the car, as he whined and was uncomfortable, but for all the rest of his life he was Charles' companion in the truck, - his little paws up on the dash, watching the road and any stray animals along the side that merited his barking attention.  Charles built a little platform behind the back window of the truck, inside the canopy, at just the right height to sit in the Commodore's Chair and direct operations through the open sliding window.



We have always loved dogs, and never been without their loving companionship, but they were outside farm dogs.  Charles had a special relationship with Candy, his precious Border Collie partner and keeper of the sheep, but we had never had a small, indoor dog before, and I had misgivings when Charles brought him home, - the runt of the litter who had not sold and was beginning to challenge his father's authority!



He stole our hearts immediately, and kept them to the end, so that now they are temporarily shattered and we miss him dreadfully.

As does Miss Callie, as she searches through doorways, up and down halls, and finally
lies on the couch to sleep - alone.



10 comments:

Wanda..... said...

Such a loving post for your sweet Caspar. Hope the warm memories will give you comfort. Ours, Gena and Butter, have their special resting places on our property!

Sorry for the loss, Hildred.

Dimple said...

It is hard to lose a pet, they become part of the family so fast, and then, when they go, we mourn.
I am sorry for your loss.

Barb said...

I am crying for your Casper here in CO, Hildred. Your post was a fitting tribute to the little guy. When my own Golden Girl passed several years ago, I lost a faithful friend who I'll never be able to replace. Hugs to you and Charles.

Penny said...

He sounded such a lovely small companion, it is so hard when they go but such lovely photos and memories.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

A beautiful tribute to your wonderful Caspar. What a pretty little dog and obviously such a lot of character. I know exactly how you must be feeling Hildred, these loving pets leave such a big gap when they are gone. You and Charles will miss him very much as will Miss Callie. I am so sorry for your loss. A x

Hildred said...

Thank you all for your warm thoughts, your sympathy and understanding of how close pets wrap around your heart, and about the empty space when they are gone. Time heals, memories remain, precious and dear.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Hildred (and Charles), I am so terribly sorry. This was a beautiful tribute.

Not a Granny said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Casper will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Kay L. Davies said...

I clicked on your ABC Wednesday submission and scrolled back to see what I'd missed. I was so sorry to read about your little dog. You and Charles and the cat will always miss him. When my little dog died in the 1990s, one of my cats looked for her for weeks.
But I'm happy you had the experience of a devoted inside dog companion. It's a special kind of love. I miss every dog I ever had, but love the one we have now.
Hugs,
Kay

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Fonnell/Grammie/mom said...

Oh dear,
I fight the tears reading of your loss. I know this sad time, our dear penny, blue Heeler, barely moves these days and I think she is nearly blind so I walk along side her to keep her from hitting things. I have always loved to hear of Caspar's adventures what a sweet thing he was!

We only feel the pain because the love is there.

hugs