Captain Crunch 2000 – 2008

Today Captain Crunch “the Kid” ended his status as best dog and best service dog in the world. He would have been 9 in October. When we went to the vet we did our tradition that was started way back when he first became my service animal. When I had heart surgery, when I had colon surgery, when I went in the hospital for any kind of stay Captain was there with me. Before heart surgery or any other surgery he and I split a biscuit just in case I didn’t make it. We had a just in case symbolic last supper. Since I was about to eat a dog biscuit I had to choose one that looks half ways appetizing so I chose the green one. From our first shared meal it’s been a green dog biscuit. So today at the vet’s office, just before he went to sleep we had our last supper. He got the larger piece.

Truthfully, since he’s been Captain’s vet since Cap was 10 months old there wasn’t another vet I’d want to do it. I didn’t understand why he was being such an ass though. Captain stopped eating, wasn’t walking well,  he wasn’t sleeping, had several open abscesses and declined with each passing day. The abscess on the side of his face that drained this morning got into his eyes. By the time we reached the vet Captain’s eyes were milky and dilated. He looked horrible but when we went in he perked up and greeted Dr. K like he always does. When I found out that Captain went from 128 to 107 in less than a month I really had no questions I was doing the right thing. What was upsetting was that Dr. K barked, “He needed to lose that weight.” Oh great, like it matters right now. He said to Captain, “I know you’re scared buddy.” I said, “His leg is shaking because of the nerve damage.” His reply was, “I know what’s wrong with this dog!” I was taken aback by his behavior because this is NOT the Dr. K I’ve known for years. Then when the nurse had a hard time keeping Captain’s leg still for the injection Dr. K barked at her, “You have to keep him still.” After she walked out of the room he and I just sat there and cried. Although my vet was a total ass at first he and I just sat there and cried. I don’t believe anymore that he fed me a line years ago that Captain was his favorite client of all time, not with his reaction to Captain passing. Dr. K stepped out of the room and I wrapped him in the green blanket then swept the room of all the hair he left behind when scooting around greeting Dr. K. I told Dr. K that I’ve been sweeping up after Captain for 8 years and I’d like to do it one last time. I took his tags, made sure the blanket was around him well, turned the lights out and rode home with my roommate Barney Fife.

It is strange to be here without panting, without his tail hitting the floor, without him greeting me when I come in the door. When I stood up to leave someone inside told him to get up. They wanted him to get up. Of course he didn’t.

Part of me smiles with pride that I was given the opportunity to share 8 years with this boy. Part of me weeps that he’s gone. I promised him though, I won’t let you suffer. That is a hard, hard promise to keep.

This is the first pet I’ve ever lost. I loved that boy.

Joan of Arc for Morton’s Pride

Captain Crunch 2008-Tuesday, August 19, 2008-4:03PM EST