Captain - 19th July 1998 - 13th August 2011

[captain]

Dear PT'ers,

It has taken me this long to finally write this post without crying from the beginning........... or so I thought ..... the tears are here already

After 13 long years, we had to say good bye to my darlin old man. We had been struggling with the decision, hoping that he would pass in his sleep, without us having to intervene at all ......... but the stubborn old guy would NOT.

Captain was a stubborn, funny, determined, happy, sulky, smiley boy. He LOVED to go for walks, any place, any time and as often as possible. He didn't mind going to the Vet, and taught Murphy that grace!
We noticed him struggling about two years ago - getting older, but still determined to keep up with the young Murphy, and grumpy girl Ruby. He was still the boss, and made sure they all knew it. He was getting worse, and started to fall over when walking - almost like tripping over a stone (when there was nothing there), and I had him checked over by a specialist. He had degeneration of the spine, which didn't affect anything other than his balance. He had minimal arthritis, but we watched him struggle more and more, and eventually had to make the hard decision to help him on his way to the RB.

I still remember all the NAUGHTY things he did, even up to his old age, sneaking off with blankets, running around the house woooo'ing for his dinner and his LOVE of lying on the big bed!!! We had to help him up, but BOY oh BOY did he grumble when we tried to get him back OFF the big bed!!!

I miss him everyday, and am convinced I see him out the corner of my eye. Murphy still looks for him when we go on our walks, as Captain always walked at his own pace, a few good paces behind Ruby and Murphy. Murphy always went back to check on him, before bounding ahead. Ruby, who always grumbled and growled at Captain, was very subdued for weeks after we let him go. They have both adjusted to not having him here, but every now and again, I see them looking for him

We all miss him, everyday, still, but know that he is up at the RB playing with all the other PT doggies, and Phred.

Thanks for letting me share. I know you will all understand how heartbroken I am and why it took so long for me to actually put my feelings into words and let you know.