Rescue Journal

i am really sorry everyone, but dexter was euthanized today.

Carol · Apr. 14, 2008

i had to make a judgement call, the vet could not come on friday, but maybe on wed or thurs and for sure she could come today. i wasn't risking a clinic euth. on a maybe, too many things can change. i think it was important that dex ended his life here if possible and he did. mo was here when i got back from the vet with jesse so maybe this was meant to be because dex and mo were one. he had some time in the barn and the fields and got some good shopping time in at his favorite multipurpose, private dexter store. i had thought to have time to order him some pizza but the clinic called to say the vet was on her way so i quickly gave him his pre-med while he was still shopping and he fell asleep within a couple of minutes and then slept thru his passing from life. i don't think i could have asked for a better ending for him, there was not a single moment of him wondering what was going on. just a really good day and a bunch of treats in the mp room and a quiet peaceful nap. in retrospect maybe that was the best way for him to go, without a big fanfare and without feeling alot of sadness surrounding him...dex wasn't sad and i am not sad either cuz he had a very good life and a very good death and that is exactly what i wanted for him.

we won't really miss you dex, you are here forever with all of us. you will always be running in the fields and shopping in the mp room. you are forever safe inside many hearts and i can see and feel you everywhere. i think you will always be here.

Comments

Melanie

I haven't checked the blog in awhile, I guess this is the day I truly dreaded. So hard to believe that Dexter has made it so long, from the moment I meet him I knew he was a fighter. I knew he would live longer than anyone expected, I just didn't think it would be over a year. I will never forget the best Christmas I ever had, that was sharing it with Dex, it is worth every single tear that rolls down my face right now. The week I had him was like a lifetime of lessons. Lessons of love, and forgiveness. THANK YOU so much EVERYONE that took such good care of Dex. It means the world to all the Dexters of the world who without you would meet death before there time or live their lives behind cages. Dexter would have met the same fate if it wasn't for SAINTS. I am so thankful for the medical care and the life I knew I couldn't offer him. Keep up the good work.....no one else can give them what you can :-) You are all angels :-)

Angela from NY

Oh, dex. - I try to check the blog everyday, and everyday I cross my fingers that I don't see what I saw. But strangely as I thought I'd be so sad and I am, I am equally happy and relieved that he is in a good place and as you described it doesn't sound like he could have gone any better and will always be with you all... nice poem deb.

Heidi

So true Chris. Dex was such a gift to us all. He touched so many people in so many ways and was very loved. Dex, even though my heart is hurting and my eyes are filling with tears I am so glad to have been able to know you and love you.

Rae

Good bye Dexter, rest in peace sweet man. You will be missed by all who met you and especially by those who loved you.

Chris T

Dex was a great dog with an indomitable spirit. If only we, as human beings, could be as strong and graceful as Dex was with his illness. Rest easy Dex and I am sure wherever you are the sticks are being thrown and the clean laundry is there to be messed up.

Deb

Sorrow fills a barren space;
you close your eyes and see my face
and think of times I made you laugh,
the love we shared, the bond we had,
the special way I needed you -
the friendship shared by just we two.

The day's too quiet, the world seems older,
the wind blows now a little colder.
You gaze into the empty air
and look for me, but I'm not there -
I'm in heaven and I watch you,
and I see the world around you too.

I see little souls wearing fur,
souls who bark and souls who purr
born unwanted and unloved -
I see all this and more above -
I watch them suffer, I see them cry,
I see them lost, I watch them die.
I see unwanted thousands born -
and when they die, nobody mourns.

These little souls wearing fur
(Some who bark and some who purr)
are castaways who - unlike me -
will never know love or security.
A few short months they starve and roam,
Or caged in shelters - nobody takes home.
They're special too (furballs of pleasure),
filled with love and each one, a treasure.

My pain and suffering came to an end,
so don't cry for me, my person, my friend.
But think of the living -
those souls with fur
(some who bark and some who purr) -
And though our bond can't be broken apart,
make room for another in your home and
your heart.

~Caro Schubert-James~

It is amazing the things you can learn from animals... but exspecially old dogs , I clearly remember the 1st time seeing Dexter, he had just arrived & Carol had him out in the field with the nice couple who had saved him from steets. My thoughts were "Holy Cow... dead dog walking, we won't have much time with this fellow, but what we do have, we will make special for him " ... I had it all wrong, he made my time at SAINTS special & the stuff I learned from Dexter will be carried with me forever & I will think of him often... it was a good passing & many will miss him.

Thank you Dexter for hanging out with us for as long as you did, we love you.

Barbara DeMott

I also only met Dexter once but his spirit can through loud and clear I am glad I was a part of his life for even those couple hours. He knew how to live life seeing the joy in everywhere.
thanks Carol

Jean

I am so glad Dex had a good last day and his passing was easy.
He was a great dog and lived life to the fullest.

Run free, Dexter.

lynne

jusst want to say i am so sorry, but dexter did have an amazing life and i guess went out with a full belly and a last great run and i am so glad that moe was there to say goodbye to one of her great friends. you did good for him carol. lynne

Zoe

Just talked to Nicole a few minutes ago...
Though I am sad, I find myself feeling amazed, which often happened around Dexter. He was not only a food lover/shopper/bounder-of-the-fields, he beat the odds a million times, and I think it's fair to say at one point or another, he proved us all wrong. He wasn't sad because that would have been out of character; Dex was untouchable. I agree with Carol- he's around forever.

Sharla

Awwww Dexter. I only got to meet you once but you touched me, such a good boy. You were so lucky to have Carol. RIP

Emma

I'm not sure what to say Carol (and that's rare!). Good judgement call though and what a great way to go for a great dog. God Bless Dex.