Wally's Wednesday

Today hasn't been the best for me and my little family. This morning, we had to put our sweet basset hound Wally to sleep. He had a bacterial infection that has virtually no symptoms. However, on a whim, due to his not eating as much as usual, I took him to an emergency vet clinic on Saturday. It was then that he was diagnosed and we began treatment. It was a long shot, but we had to try. This morning he went back in for a follow-up test to see if the treatment was working. It wasn't. Also, the infection progresses very rapidly with this particular disease and it also makes for a very violent death. So, rather than let him suffer, we decided to just let him go to sleep.

It's been awhile since I've endured the heartbreak of losing an animal to which I was so attached. I got home and told Bae first and he cried for a few minutes, but he took it rather well. The vet had given me Wally's collar and tag before I left and Bae asked if he could keep the tag. Later, when I picked Brek up from playgroup, I told him about Wally. He teared up and said he would miss him, but was otherwise pretty quiet on the ride home (very unlike Brek.) Finally, we were almost home and he said (in his little four year old voice) , "Mama, look on the bright side, today, Wally is chasing squirrels in Heaven." It brought tears to my eyes all over again. The boys are no stranger to death. . . .we've got lots of animals: dogs, cats, goats, a pony, a donkey, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, and a guinea pig. Over the years, we've had several to pass away, so they're familiar with the process. Still, it doesn't make it any easier. . .or make it hurt any less.

So, today, my blog is dedicated to Wally. He was with us such a short time, but we loved him very, very much. He loved to run (though he wasn't very fast) with his ears flopping in the wind. He loved to chase and bark at . . . .nothing! He could chase air and be happy. He loved the boys and his Shelby. I think she's gonna miss him too. And, Wally was the best cuddler. He would pile up and sleep for hours! Pretty near a perfect dog in my book! I can honestly say, there will never be another Wally and I hope that today he's happy chasing squirrels in Heaven!