Dog Blog: Mighty Titan

update 2 ~ Cassie is flourishing with her new family. They had a wonderful first T-giving together. I was told, "she is counted among our blessings"! 


Wed nite ~ Cassie (sheltie) and I arrived home. Titan's appointment went as well as it could have. Dr Kristy said if I had nothing to do but care for him, around the clock, and a few thousand dollars, would only get him a month or so. It was the right thing to do; as I knew.

I sat on the floor, he laid on a blanket....Kristy gave him a sedative, and said to just tell her when we were ready. Two emergencies came in, so we had some time.

With an entire box of tissue handy, I recalled, the first day we met, about five years ago. Titan no longer "fit his owner's lifestyle". The owner signed him over to me. I took this gentle, black tri aussie out of Jupiter. Looking into his big brown eyes, I promised him a life where he would be loved and adored.

Soon, Irena adopted him. They were so happy, until she realized, she was allergic. She went on medicine, until I could find the perfect home. I found it, with George and JoAnn, an elderly couple in Delray. Titan became the light of their lives. Irena enjoyed visitation rights. George started taking walks again. Ti loved going to work, then coming home, and sitting outside on the porch with them. They always told me, "Ti is the BEST dog we have ever had, thank you so much!"

A couple years ago, their vet got a sheltie that needed a home; Cassie joined the family. They were best pals. At that point, Ti looked at me, worried. I told him, "Of course, I am going to take care of your sister, don't worry". He laid his head back on the pillow.

Every time I visited my brother, in Delray, I would slither out and visit George, JoAnn, Titan, and Cassie. My phone would ring, with a family member asking, "We are getting ready to eat, are you coming back?"

Ten months ago, JoAnn passed away suddenly. George and the dogs were lost without her. Last month, George passed away. The family was going to take the dogs to animal control - I was furious. "Those dogs brought so much joy and happiness to your parents, and you would do THAT to them?", I asked. They located the adoption papers for Ti, proving he was to revert back to me. I noticed, he had lost a LOT of weight this past year, and had been battling an ear infection (according to his records).

A nurse with a soft spot for senior dogs expressed interest in adopting them, but never showed/called the day we were to meet. I would take them. Ti and Cassie almost were going to be guests, on Wild Women Weekend, in Key West. Luckily, a temporary foster home agreed to take them, so I could go. As I got some badly needed R and R, Titan began to falter. He was uneasy on his feet, and was sleeping a lot. Cassie wanted to play with him, and he was uncharacteristically, grouchy. By the time I returned, the foster home was very concerned. I had a feeling of what was  coming.....so I had three plans:  A (my vet), B (Dr Robin), and C (HS of Broward).

As always, my vet came through, fitting us in......so, here we are on the floor......the vet tech came in and said she had something to show me. It was Thriller and Billie Jean (kittens I rescued three weeks ago; same litter as the ones I have now, Prinny and Paris). They look wonderful and FAT!!

Then, it was time. Ti was totally relaxed. Kristy came in, and administered the injection. I kissed Ti again, and told him to look for Annette (our AMA), at the Rainbow Bridge (she has a giant soft spot for aussies). She will guide him to JoAnn and George. I had my hand on his chest, and felt the last beat of his big heart.

In the mean time, I will take care of Ti's "sister", Cassie. I will find her the perfect place; just as I promised.  Rest in peace, sweet Ti.


update 1 ~ The meet & greet/home visit went great. Cassie joined her new family (as sole pet) on Saturday afternoon. Mom & Mack saw her, yesterday at a fashion show (previous commitment). We miss her, terribly, but this was the right thing, for everyone! Mom knows Ti is barking with happiness over Cas' new family.

Thank you, as always, Kristy---you rock. I could not "do what I do" without the support (many types) you and Scott always provide. Thanx to Robin (plan B) and Dawn (plan C); Deanna and family, for giving Ti and Cassie love, and a home, while I was away.

Pet-parents ~ hug your furry babies, extra hard, tonight. Tomorrow ~ MAKE SURE you have a plan, in writing (part of your will) as smart rescue organzations stipulate; what will happen and where your pet(s) will go, should something happen to you. The hoarder (cats I have been feeding/trapping) is STILL in rehab (broken neck), going on seven weeks. Leave financial consideration for them, to be kept in the manner they are accustomed to. 

DO NOT assume a friend/family member will do the right thing. They won't care for the pet as you have, UNLESS you make it clear what your wishes are, with conditions (how the dog is to be rehomed/kept). Every day, beloved/displaced pets end up LOOSE (as my Lacey was), in shelters, as bait in dog fighting rings, or sold as laboratory dogs.  No, it's not a pleasant thought, but as responsible pet owners, WE OWE this to our pet(s).

PLEASE, do this for your own peace of mind, and in honor of the Mighty Titan.