much-loved Cavalier spaniel, Dion DiPoochy,
is having serious health issues.
 |
| DION, 2010, looking guilty about something. |
Every few days for the past two weeks,
I have thought it was curtains for our boy.
But every few days, he has rallied.
 |
| DION, on Alida and Josh's wedding day, June 25, 2011. |
The most recent crisis was yesterday.
I took him to the vet,
afraid I would not be taking him home.
 |
| DION at the vet on Friday July 20, 2012. |
But the vet had different ideas. She started him
on a doggy NSAID and it's giving him comfort, and more strength.
He is walking, eating and drinking again.
 |
| DION, with Lily, 2007, in our old kitchen. |
Can we have a guarded Hooray?
 |
| DION in 2010 |
In comparison to the horror and searing grief of the
Colorado theater shootings, our little dog's health is insignificant.
Our hearts ache for the victims, their families,
that community, and our country,
and our minds boggle at the randomness of evil.
But hearts and minds are limitless,
with room for all manner of sadness and joy, including the sadness
of watching this most sweet and gentle and funny of dogs,
our good boy Dion,
slowly lose his grip on Life.
 |
| DION, Friday July 20, 2012, doing what he now does most of the time -- rest. |
Dion's lust for life is deserting him; he is so very tired,
and even food -- which he worshiped -- is no longer of much interest.
We would not keep him with us if he were in distress
but he is calm and seems comfortable.
Thank you, Joanne, for your breeding that produced this special dog.
Thank you, Jane, for your gift of him to our girls.
 |
| 1999 -- DION (in the lead of this Conga line) with his 3 sisters, nicknamed The Belmonts. |
We are cherishing every moment we have with Dion.
I know that many of you have traveled this same road;
thanks for listening. -- Cass
Sending a gentle hug and kiss to sweet Dion.
ReplyDeleteCass,
ReplyDeleteYou have come to a fork in the road of life that is so darn hard.....my best friend is going through the same thing......my heart goes out to you as it is a difficult decision to make, but please know that Dion knows you will make it when you should.....but he isn't going to help you make it, he would rather not go at all I am sure.....that is how our beloved dogs are, they see no reason to go.....regardless of how they feel. That is why I call it a gift that we can take the measure when necessary to stop the pain and discomfort for them....I wish we could for humans that we love also.....Sandy
Cass -- I do so understand -- Ollie had "spell" in May and we thought we lost him. In fact, that evening when the phone said it was "the vet", I braced for the fact that our dear little guy had gone -- nope, he was up walking, peeing and pooping and eating!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd he came home!
But each day we have him since to us is a gift -- another day with Ollie -- another day of barking, of telling us he needs to go out or when he's out that desperate look of wanting in where the people are. And eating although he won't eat his kibble -- he DEMANDS better! And we have been indulgent.
Enjoy each and every day with Dion -- for each day is a precious gift that only he can give to you.
Hugs, dear friend. You and I are going through parallel chapters at this time. (time for Twilight Zone music?)
Cass~
ReplyDeletethe tears come easy when thinking/reading..
and knowing his days are truly shorter..
Sandy above stated our feelings so eloquently..
my heart aches, knowing he will be going..
but at the same time aches knowing you be here without him..
You both are in my constant prayers..
thankful prayers for having come to know him..
and for you..
for ease when the time comes for letting go..
loving hugs for you both as well as for Howard and the girls...
Loui♥
Oh thank goodness--was a little afraid when i saw your thumbnail. Here's hoping that the nesw regime will help.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers for Dion and those in Colorado.
M:)
It's hard - I know. We are human, with that wonderful and terrifying capacity for love that encompasses other humans, no matter how far away, as well as other species. I wish you and Dion a little more time for patting and loving.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are getting some more time with Dion and I really hope this new medicine helps him feel better. It's always scary when you think they will not come back from the vet. We have had 2 dogs with back problems, so we knew the signs when we saw our Lily having signs of a back injury a few weeks ago. We were scared to death her time had come, but thankfully with crating and medicine, she has recovered. Given she's a dachshund, we know she's at risk for back problems again and fear facing worse problems down the road.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll know when the time is right for him to pass over the rainbow bridge, but in the meantime just keep loving him and enjoying the time you have now. It's a good sign that his spirits are still good. I do hope this new treatment buys him more time. So sorry you are having to deal with this though!
Cass, I'm so sorry about little Dion but so glad he seem comfortable and that this medicine will help him. I know how we love our little dears and it's so hard to be where you are now. I'm keeping you all in my prayers. Sweet soft kisses for little Dion and a big hug for you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shelia ;)
Hi Cass,
ReplyDeleteI know this is so hard for you, my heart goes out to you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Pets are special gifts from God, he knew we needed them here on this earth.
Oh Cass, the tragedy of human loss does not belittle the loss of a beloved Fur Baby...or make it any less painful. What a gift to have Dion in your life for so long. I can tell that he is a Once in a lifetime Fur Baby. I have no words of wisdom. Only know that I understand great love for our pets. Big Love to you, my friend. **kisses** Deb
ReplyDeleteOh. I'm so sorry that Dion is struggling with his illness. I know that he is a part of your family just like every pets. It would be a great loss if we part from them but don't worry God has his own reasons.
ReplyDeleteHumans live longer than the animals that come into our lives. We are so lucky to have them but we must pay the price of having to let them go. It hurts so, so much but we would all choose the hurt again because of all the joy we get in return.
ReplyDeleteWhen I awoke, Friday morning, I turned on the Today Show, which I never watch, to see what the weather was going to be. My daughter lives in Aurora. When I spoke with her she knew of the theater but it was one she and her husband do not frequent. Since then, I have been contemplating the fragility of life. Don't minimize the sadness you are feeling, it is all part of our time here on earth. I lost a son to genetic problems over 30 years ago, he died at 10 months. I remember thinking, I can't loose another child, but sadly, there aren't any promises, are there?
Cass, I was so saddened to read about Dion being ill. Miss Scarlet sends her love. How old is Dion if you don't mind me asking?
ReplyDeleteCarolyn/A Southerners Notebook
Sweet Dion. He does look tired, but he's had a happy life and obviously been a joy to you.
ReplyDeleteI so so relate to what you are going through! Our Bo is going through the same thing, we bought Bo to the vets thinking we wouldn't be bringing him home, but is on new meds, which seem to be working and is now getting Hydrotherapy for his aging bones. His first visit "really" helped him, he acutally jumped off the deck! Right now we are treating Bo as "Quality of Life Care" and know that one day, sooner than later, we will be once again facing a time we dread. I'm so hoping your Dion does well on the new meds!
ReplyDeleteNow- why am I crying over someone's fur baby? Too much crisis overload in the last couple of days, maybe? I am sorry that you are watching Dion's health fail. We all feel so helpless when that happens- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and Dion. I know how hard this is. We are going through the same thing with our Riley. We will keep him with us as long as he eats and drinks and occasionally barks. We are grateful for every one of those things. It means he still wants to be with us.
ReplyDeleteSending you my loving thoughts and a big hug to sweet Dion.
xo
Claudia
Cass, sweetheart, I want to hug you and tell you that everything will be okay. We made that same trip to the vet with my beloved Murphy many years ago, certain that it would be our last. The Dr. gave us an NSAID also, and we had Murphy for another precious few months. It made all the difference for us, knowing that we had truly do e everything that web could do for him, and that his quality of life was better for our efforts.
ReplyDeleteWe all love Dion from your loving stories of him. Please know that there are many of us out here praying for you and your family.
Lots of love to you all and big squidges to Dion. Our doggies mean so much to us, dont they? I am sure he knows how loved he is which makes everything so much easier. Thinking of you. AnneMarie xxx
ReplyDeleteSo glad that Dion is hanging in there and is comfortable and happy. Our fur babies fill such a big place in our hearts. I am sending hugs and prayers...Debbie
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and hugs!!! Knowing what you are going through, just spend all the time you can with him, you will never regret it!!! donna
ReplyDeleteYou know my heart is with you as you journey with your adorable little fur ball....
ReplyDeletegena
It is such a difficult thing to watch when our beloved pets are reaching their end. Every day is a test and we are not sure that we will pass it. Of course we have to make a tough decision sometimes and we second guess ourselves over and over again.
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful Dion has had a wonderful life with your family. What a lucky dog.
We just went through the same thing with our beloved Maine Coon cat.I truly hope that your precious furbaby improves however, I feel your pain but know in my heart that you will know when the right time has come. I keep thinking over and over in my mind what Dr. Seuss said, Don't cry because it is over but smile because it happened. Our beloved pets were part of our lives for so long and I smile when I think of all the wonderful times together. Of course sad but must remember to smile too for what was.
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel. I'm crying as I write this to you. My family sends your family many prayers. And to your Dion a kiss.
ReplyDeleteKelly
O Cass Do I know and understand that heartache. It never gets easier. I hope that Dion enjoys what is left of his life in as much comfort as possible and when the time comes I hope that your hearts are eased by the love you have shared with him.
ReplyDeleteCass,
ReplyDeleteI am keeping you, your family, and Dion in my thoughts. Our old gal is also nearing the end of her beautiful life -- we're walking down a similar path.
Peace to you and Dion as you all try to squeeze as much love and joy out of your last days together.
Lois in SW PA
Dion is a beautiful dog and I am so sorry to hear he is ill. We have a two year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Bella who is the light of our lives. This breed really are the sweetest!! Our hearts go out to you. It must be a very difficult time.
ReplyDelete