Run Free Reggie

Run Free Dear Reggie

10/9/98-03/28/12

Reggie's Story

We first met Reggie when my sister brought him home from the humane society.  He was about four years old and a sweet guy; we couldn't figure out why he was surrendered.  My sister loved him from the start and gave him a wonderful home.  When it was clear the her fight against cancer was nearing the end, I had promised her that we would take Reggie and give him all the love we could.  The transition to our home and our love, Sadie, was easy-it was love at first sight.  We did find out he didn't like children, which posed a problem but we worked around it.  He is now 13 and a half yrs old and has been a wonderful companion.

His hearing is declining, which is truly a blessing with all the thunder we have.  He is faithful and true to both hubby and I, following us all over the house.  Since we lost our Sadie, Reggie has become one spoiled boy with extra treats, special food and lots of love.  Isn't he just a beauty? 

We didn't choose him, but we love him. We've had him for six and a half years and wonder what life would be like without him.

 This last summer we found out that he has a serious health issue and we weren't sure how many days we'd have him with us; so we are treasuring every hour of every day. We were initially told that he would only last 3-4 weeks and he lasted eight months.

Last week when I took him in for his annual, I found out he had developed two heart murmurs; the vet told me it would probably turn into progressive heart disease.  We expected him to pass from the brain tumor and he didn't. I knew the heart disease was so serious, I just didn't think it would show up so soon.  This week he has been off-he hasn't been eating much, got sick one day and was drinking a huge amount of water.  I have watched him like a hawk and checked with several close friends, who are very wise about how to get him to eat.  Last night he began showing signs of respiratory distress; I won't go into details but it became very clear to me that this was the sign I had been watching for, the sign to let me know it was time to let him go, to set him free.  He laid on top of me for several hours while I talked to him, thanked him for his love and devotion and told him I was so sorry he was hurting.  I cried and he kept lifting his head and putting his hose right under my chin; I'm sure he knew my heart.  He is resting currently, while I sob and we wait to take him to the vet where he was so loved.  There will be a huge void in our home but I am thankful he will be at peace and that he won't be alone,while we are away, suffering.  I am thankful for every minute of grace with him. I am also so thankful that he won't leave us on my birthday.  Run free Reggie, go find your Sadie girl. 

I found this poem on someones blog and it spoke volumes to my spirit;  hope it does yours as well. 

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.

You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours....faithful and true.....
To the last beat of his heart,
You owe it to him...
To be worthy of such devotion.

Reggie, you will always be in our heart.
Noreen

Noreen