Rest well my gentle giant

It has been a very long time since I updated Caesar's diary. So much has happened in our lives. Sadly, a very unexpected event happened back in August of 2008, Caesar had an (unknown at the time) hereditary condition that caused his entire spinal column to "slip" paralyzing him and causing extreme pain. (A similar condition happens to dachshunds)

It hit out of the blue, one day he was fine and happy, the next he was in agony and while the vets X-rayed and gave him massive doses of morphine and prednisone the fact was that he was paralyzed and crying constantly in extreme pain. With tears in my eyes I asked my vet what she would do if it were her own dog. Euthanize him or risk taking him to the Veterinary University of St.Louis to see if they could do anything. Since even the tiniest bump or movement caused him to scream in agony we both decided to give him peace.

The veterinarian said to me "I can tell he loves you so much, look at the way he just keeps tracking you with his eyes". It broke my heart. For some odd reason I was Caesar's whole world and he loved me as I had never been loved by another dog. Max was a partner and best friend, but Caesar seemed to worship me.

It was far harder to hold my gentle giants head in my lap as they gave him the medication that would ease his suffering that it was the day I helped Max pass over. I think maybe because it was the suddenness of it, the cruel pain he was in, and worse the way he stared at me, through me, the whole time as if he was fighting to keep staying at my side no matter what.

Caesar is now pain free and over the Rainbow Bridge, where he waits along with my heart dog, Max, and all the other beloved animals who have been in my life.

Rest easy big guy, I know your time on this earth was far to short, but maybe an Angel in heaven needed a Service Dog and you were called home to help because they knew how big and loyal your heart was. We'll see each other again my friend.

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