We said goodbye to Romeo yesterday (Monday) morning. By Sunday, his poor belly was as tight as a drum again. It only took a week for all of the fluid to return. He would stand outside in the cold for a half-hour and just eat snow. I don’t know if it was a thirst thing or if the coldness of the snow was making something feel better. He pretty much stopped eating and on Monday morning he started throwing up every half hour or so. In between, he’d have big drool bubbles hanging out of his mouth. We knew he was suffering the last 2 days especially. He was never going to get better. We kissed and hugged him and talked to him. I told him to go find Luca and Jake (our son), to go to sleep, and that I’d be right back. Once he was totally out, we left. As with Luca and our other pets we didn’t stay for the final injection. I want my last memory of him sleeping not dead.
So another excruciating day. We took down his crate, put his bed away, washed his dishes, removed the couch covers, put the basket of toys in the basement, and packed up all of the food and treats. I gave all of the food and treats to my sister, who has 2 dogs and is kind of struggling financially right now. I did pack up two bags of treats for their dog friends that walked with us all of the time.
The old cliche of “a house is not a home without a dog” is so true. Our house is waaaay too quiet. It seems like it echos. There are so many little things that have become part of my and my husband’s routines that are suddenly gone. I sat on my couch last night for the first time without a blanket covering it and without at least one dog lying next to me or on me. I ate supper without a dog staring at me and drooling - things I complained about and would take back in a second now. Every night before I went to bed, I’d peek in their room where they slept (in their crates) and I’d say, “good night sweet boys”. Last night I stopped in my tracks when I realized they weren’t there. Every morning, I’d come down the stairs and they’d be lying on the couch waiting for me to take them on their walk. The couch was empty this morning. When it’s cold out, I always start my car to warm it up before I leave. When I’d come back from the garage to the door, Romeo would always be standing looking out the door glass. I could have sworn I saw his face this morning for just a split second. When I’d leave for work, they’d always get a treat and I’d say, “Be good boys, mama will be right back” and then I’d give them each a kiss. Today I just walked out the door. I don’t know how I’m going to handle coming home to an empty house today and then going for a walk alone. This changed every aspect of my life. They were such a huge presence.
We have not been without a dog or dogs in our home since 1989 and that was for only 6 months or so. We’ve already talked about getting another dog or dogs. Not right away - for one thing a puppy in the winter is tough. I’m not willing to stand outside when it’s -20 waiting for a puppy to pee and poop! And also, I need to just take a breath. All of this has worn me out. My husband too.
Here is my handsome boy - I always call this the “Ladies’ Man” pose.
