It's been a while since I posted anything - and quite frankly, I haven't had much to say (not that I normally do anyway). But I thought it might be a good time to put something up.
As you all know by now, we lost our beloved Duke a few weeks ago. I was with him when he went, so that is somewhat comforting, but I can tell you it's not much fun (much better than having to put him down though). I went upsatirs to let Jana know and of course she was so upset that she didn't sleep for the rest of the night. I knew that would happen, but I figured she'd be pissed if I didn't tell her immediately. We struggled with what to do with him overnight as our vet was closed - it being midnight - so I called the local emergency vet. They said I could bring him in if I wanted, or I could wait until our vet opened in the morning. However, if I chose that path, I would need to put him someplace cool. The lady on the phone (are they nurses?) stressed that point.
We decided to keep him one last night. I carried him down to the basement and placed him on his dog bed. Fortunately, Georgia didn't notice he wasn't around the next morning. Thank God she didn't go downstairs to watch TV for breakfast.
After notifying our vet about Duke's demise, they said to bring him in whenever we were comfortable doing so. No time like the present - so I went down to get him. As difficult as it was to carry 65 pounds of dead weight (sorry for the bad pun) downstairs, it was even worse bringing him up.
It seems as though rigormortis set in overnight. I had to carry up 65 pounds of frozen solid weight - with his legs sticking straight out. Let me tell you, it was not easy adjusting him to fit through the door.
Luck of all luck, when I finally got him upstairs and into the car, I noticed it was the one 90+ degree day we've had all year. I quickly got in the car, rolled down the windows and started on my way to drop him off for the last time. As he warmed up, all of the gases he had built up overnight began to release. Now, Duke was always a farter. It was one of the things that endeared him to all. Seriously, he could compete with anyone for volume and odor. But what I went through in that car was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Even in death, he was the king of the SBD - only this time, he wouldn't be raising his head to look at me and then walk out of the room (I always knew he did that on purpose).
The vet had me bring Duke in the back door and place him on top of a cooler...
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