after an unexpected stomach problem that usually was normal for my precious Smeagol, especially in the last three years, James and I took him to Stonegate which was the vet I used for the last 17 years for my pets, only to discover that he was gravely and mortally ill. His x- ray revealed that he had a mass larger than a football either over and through or encompassing his spleen. He was dying and we'd had no idea or indication. His stomach problem was far worse than it had ever been, and we did what was only humane.....we had to have him put down. He was just five years old. He had a most incredible life, short as it was, and Sugar is grieving right now as she was extremely close to him. Her refusal herself to eat is only lessened by her drinking water right now. Even Pester's the old cat who had almost grieved himself to death after Rose's un-timely death from bloat five years ago, is looking through the house for him right now. On Thursday when Smeagol first started getting visibly ill, he cleaned his face like any good cat does for his family dog.....
This last two year's that he's had with me and my new family as well as his usual pack (my daughter and her own girls, my new grandbaby, my son's, the new step son, and the new "Da" as he responded towards James), and learning a new trick just for James only, "Sneaky snack" to inch forwards in eager anticipation for a large milk bone which he'd inhale and then try to steal Sugar's which she'd either horde or give him willingly, to the point where she DID give it to him......his absolute adoration for everyone. my familiar description that Michael, my oldest, gave me to describe him....."a stranger is just a friend that Smeagol hasn't met yet" which he proved every day......he had so many adventures over the last two years, he relocated wonderfully from growing up in the country on a dead end country road in Faerie Holler, to living in a rural but more civilized town just off main street with more city noises........he got to swim in Lake Michigan, run in fields unfettered and free. He had the close bond of his Sugar dawg who was like a mama to him at first, who loved him like her own puppy, in spite of her never been a mother. She gave up the Alpha position when we moved to Greeneville last April to him, and in spite of his not earning it because he was such a wuss, he took it and played fiercely with her, and keeping both of them fit...his deep bark was enough to keep strangers at bay, but had someone gone for him, he'd just have licked them to death. He loved everyone. His anxious growl whine when he heard other dogs was always hilarious, and his greed of always wanting somethign that was Sugars was funny when James would call her, he'd pop his head around the corner. His quickness to mind and sit without being told or asked.....always willing to behave. He was an excellent dog. Never misbehaving, just whacky and wonderful and goofy. He was most unique. His absolute terror of thunderstorms that needed medication.....his need of us was pure and absolute. He hated fireworks too, and the vacume cleaner, but even the dust mop would unnerve him.......he loved without boundaries, and he loved with every inch of his being. From the top of his wrinkled head
He can't be replaced.... Thanks for letting me share this. the best I got Saturday right afterwards was that Dr. Larry told me that when he was buried in an anomous farm, that he'd be placed next to Rose, and when I incredulously said that it had been quite awhile since she'd died and been buried there, he assured me he knew where she'd been laid to rest and that he'd make sure Smeagol was placed next to her. That was a kindness I wasn't expecting and I seriously appreciated it. As I couldn't bear to watch him die, James was with him and said that he was going almost before they could assist him. He seemed to know he was going and seemed relieved, it's been a hard day today......... again, thank you for letting me share this. Anyone wanting to see a resized JPG of Sugar and Smeagol can e-mail me personally.
maddie