Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Humphrey's gift

Two weeks ago my mom was freaking out. Humphrey was going downhill with kidney failure but was not bad enough to help him to the Bridge, although we knew it would be soon. Last year her mom had decided to go to Alaska on a cruise this July to see whales as part of her bucket list. She wanted my mom to come along.

It was getting to be within days of that trip. My mom was due to leave on Friday the 13th.

Humphrey was eating well the Sunday before, ate some on Monday, then stopped eating on Tues. He would not eat Wednesday either and hardly moved from his big pillow (my mom squirted water in his mouth with a syringe, as much as she could). We took him to the vet one final time on Wednesday.

That sweet old squeaky boy made it easier for us to let him go before the trip. We did not want him to die while she was gone because she always plans to be with us at the end. But we did not want to send him along too soon just to be 'convenient'.

However, someone on the cancer dog list said "better a day too soon than a minute too late." So well said.

We thank you, Humphrey, very humbly, for your kind gift.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

RIP HUMPHREY

This was Humphrey's photo at the vet's office. He was dumped there and they needed a home for him--because of his age and tumors they expected him to live a year maybe.

My mom took him in. Got some donation money so they could operate and remove the tumors. He was with us 20 months so he got a good dose of beagle fun and love.

He was a good hound, never growled, never fought, followed my mom everywhere. He had his special places in the house, one particular laundry basket was his alone. His nickname was "Squeaky Boy" because he had a really high pitched squeak of a bark.

In the beginning, he loved to roach. Here is the video with Humphrey and Beau roaching to the Chicken Dance music. Humphrey is the second roacher.


Roaching Humphrey and Beau

Sweet boy, we had you only for a little while at the end of your life but it was wonderful having you here. We will really miss our Squeaky Boy. Run free and happy without pain until we meet again.