July 1, 2000
Well, we tried to do right by Barney. He was taken to the vet and checked out. It was determined he was deaf and blind, he drooled almost constantly, appeared to be incontinent, and although he ate with gusto, he vomited frequently, both food and water. Barney had a bath - probably the first he had in 10 years. He had a good night's sleep in a home, a great dinner and breakfast, then spent the day at an adoption event visiting with people and taking short walks. It was obvious that Barney was not in very good shape and that the kindest thing to do would be to end his life with some dignity. So after the adoption event, we stopped by our veterinarians' office and Barney was euthanized. It was a very peaceful ending for Barney. Imagine what the alternatives would have been.
Barney's Story:
Obviously, someone had me in their home for my entire life. Now that I am up there in years and don't do too much any more, they must have become bored with me and I was booted out and ended up at the dog pound.
Saturday, June 24
Yup, I was just laying back in my cage napping when the volunteers were at the shelter. I saw them peeking in on me and discussing whether or not they should pull an old guy like me. They were sort of torn. You know, they wanted to save me but they were afraid nobody would want to adopt an older guy like me. Then they were saying something about "putting me down", that it might be kinder for their vet to do it rather than the animal control officers. Boy, was I ever depressed. Just kept sleeping away in my corner. What else was there to do?
Wednesday, June 26
Something must be happening today. In the next room I heard the animal control officer on the phone saying, "Sure, I'll hold him for you rather than put him down today!" Was he talking about me? Then I was put outside in a huge fenced in area in the shade and a lady came by and took me out on a leash and spent a little time with me and took some pictures. It was really fun to have some attention! I had to go back in the cage but I heard her say that she would be picking me up Friday afternoon because she had a vet appointment for me to get a check up and my shots. So if they are getting me shots and stuff, that would mean they aren't going to put me down, right?
Friday, June 30, 2000
I was in my pen taking a nap when I suddenly realized that lady was back. She was coming to take me to the vet! So I hopped (OK, I "hoisted") myself into her car and off we went. We got to the veterinarian's office. They took some blood which I was pretty OK with but that jabbing me in the rear with needles upset me a little. Then they squirted this banana tasting stuff in my mouth. Must have been in case I have any worms. Then I heard the vet say that I am to be considered legally blind. Well shucks, no more driving or operating heavy machinery for me! But I still get around OK. Hey, nothing wrong with my nose! Well, off we went to my new foster home where I was given the three shampoo bath that I was told everyone gets when they first go into this foster home. Then I was placed in a nice clean crate with a big bowl of water and another bowl with senior dry and canned dog food mixed together and a vitamin. Wow! If this isn't the red carpet treatment! Can't remember the last time I had a dinner like that!