Ollie

Our Ollie went to live with Bonus Mom and a few others this past Thursday. Last week, when we found out he was terminal, I ran across this particular comic.

Ollie had cancer and congestive heart failure--a tough and fatal combo. Last week the vet was optimistic he would live for a while longer. At the time, Ollie was fine, but it took only a few more days for him to take a turn. Tuesday he fell off my bed. Wednesday he slid down the stairs. By Thursday he was wheezing with every breath.

Ollie liked to play tug with his rope. When he won, he would gloat. He kept us safe from lizards, birds and first repsonder sirens. He loved chasing birds. In fact, running in the greenbelt near our home, chasing birds was a favorite. He hated walking on the leash, but could be trusted to stay with me if I went somewhere and didn't have a lead.

He was Buckaroo's dog, but I was his person, which did not sit well with Finn. But Ollie chose me. I was up with him most of Wednesday-Thursday night, rubbing his chest to help him breathe. I thanked him for being such an amazing dog and teaching me dogs were pretty wonderful--especially Ollie Doggies.