Our Dearest Dobie

How is it that a dog can touch our hearts so dearly in such a short time? Dobie was rescued from a kill shelter with the disadvantage of being totally blind but what wasn't apparent was the fact he was also suffering from heart failure and kidney failure and some bladder control issues. We took Dobie in as a foster knowing he would probably never be adopted due to his multiple health problems. We loved him from the minute he set his furry toes in our home. He was thought to be a Dandi Dinmont terrier and had the hairdo to prove it, he had wavy reddish brown fur and the hair on his head stood straight up in spikes. He was very frightened and distant at first until he got more comfortable with us and his environment. It took about a week to get my first kiss and nuzzle. His favorite thing was,"rubba-rubba." He would flop on the cool terrazzo floor and grunt to get my attention, which meant he was ready to get a full body rub down, he would wiggle and grunt while I rubbed him all over saying,"rubba-rubba," and of course he would give me kisses when I was done. He also liked being outside in the yard, he would hold is head high and walk around freely since he didn't have to worry about running into so many things. He was a bit of a loner when it came to socializing with the gaggle but he liked to tease Agatha by getting on her bed even though she would snipe at him. He was really starting to seem relaxed and comfortable. Things seemed to be going well with him until one Sunday evening he seemed a little more tired than usual, he had eaten a good dinner then went to lay in the hallway where was cool and quiet. The next morning he was very lethargic, could barely stand and his breathing was shallow. He let me cradle him in my arms as he struggled to breathe, he didn't usually like to held tightly but that morning was different, he needed to be loved and held. We took him to the Vet's office knowing what the outcome would be. My brain knew that there wasn't much we could do to fix his failing body but my heart didn't want to let our sweet Dobie go. He continued to get weaker as we agonized over our decision. We had to let him go, go to a place where he wouldn't struggle to breathe and wouldn't struggle to find his way around in the darkness. He had found his way into our hearts and I hope we gave him as much joy and happiness as he has given us. May he frolic in lightness and know how much he is loved as he crosses over the Rainbow Bridge.