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Sinning is bad, m'kay?

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Hello old journal, long time no see. Sure is quiet around these parts...

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“I hope you and Sarge have a long, happy life together.”

These were the last words spoken by the lady from Homeless Animal Rescue Team as she left Sarge at home with me in July 2000. Sarge was a skinny little beagle with an abundance of sweetness and love radiating from his eyes. I got him as companion for my basset hound, Brittany, and I when I was living on my own for the first time. When I went to Petsmart to see the dogs available for adoption, this adorable, little beagle caught my eye right away, and spent the afternoon resting in my lap. Our bond formed right then and there and I knew he had to come home with me.

As it turns out, Sarge was not much of a Sarge. In fact, he was given up because he “would not hunt.” Instead, Sarge became the Louie that I have cherished for 8 years. Louie not only stole my heart, but Brittany’s as well. She was 10 when I got him, and for the first time in the 4 years I had owned her, I saw her romp, play and love on a dog. This little beagle brought out the puppy in my old gal. And, I think he is responsible for her living such a long life.

Louie, a pup who had once lived on a farm in Luray, VA, quickly adapted to suburban living. He loved lounging on the couch next to me, and shared my pillow in bed at night. I often woke up at night and fond him looking at me so lovingly. And, he was my protector. Despite his own fear of thunderstorms, he jumped up in the middle of the night and stood over me as the thunder clapped. And twice, while living with Jeff and Gracie, he valiantly hopped off the bed to go inspect unusual sounds in the house. He was far braver than the rest of us. He always kept an eye on me, and followed me all over the house, even when climbing stairs grew more difficult due to arthritis pain. Wherever I was, I knew his little beagle head would soon pop around the corner. He also had separation anxiety, and cried like crazy when I left him. I always dreaded leaving him behind for a trip. I knew I’d miss him as much as he’d miss me.  

I mentioned that Louie was a skinny beagle when I got him. Well, I soon discovered he had a true passion for food, and he quickly became a chubby beagle. In fact, Louie managed to jump on tables and steal food on several occasions. He was a sneak, and would *sleep* with one eye open. Once the coast was clear, he’d make his move and secure a tasty treat. Steak was his favorite. Several times, I came home and discovered he had escaped from his cage (he earned the name Lou-dini for that), climbed on a table, gobbled up food, and then could not get down. I was never sure if he was crying because he could not get down, or because he wanted to get to the crumbs on the floor.

Louie was as gentle as a pup could be, and stole the hearts of our nieces and nephews. “Louie” was always one of their first words. He spent countless hours cuddling on the couch with the kids. For children who feared dogs, Louie eased their fears, and quickly became one of their favorite people or animals. Our nephew S. heard the news of Louie’s passing last night. S. was terrified of dogs. But, Louie helped him move pass his fear. Last night S. told his parents his favorite memories of Louie was lying on the couch with him and "snuggling up to his chubbiness" during their last visit.

Louie’s gentle nature was evident with all creatures. Convinced that he would eat my pet rats, I kept him away from them for a while. When I finally introduced Louie to them, he licked them. From then on, they were best buds, and Louie would cuddle up with the rats on the couch for a nap. One time, his hunting instincts got the best of him, and he caught a rabbit. He had the rabbit pinned, and then licked it and walked away. The stunned rabbit hopped away unharmed. One time, when I encountered a fearful, lost dog, Louie approached her, calmed her fears, and led her to my fenced in yard. As it turns out, the dog had been missing for months, and no one could catch her because she was so fearful and would run from people. I really think Louie saved her life, as did the grateful owners. They made a donation of $200 in Louie’s name to SPCA for the homeless Katrina animals.

When my Brittany passed away, my sensitive little Louie grew depressed. He was lethargic and uninterested in the usual fun activities. I was worried that he was sick, but a physical exam and blood work indicated he was healthy – he just missed his sister. Once we adopted Gracie, he slowly came around and warmed up to her. Eventually, they became close friends who loved to snuggle on couches and beds together, go on walks and scope out chipmunk holes together.

Over the past few months, Louie has lost weight and grown a little stiff. He just started on arthritis medication, and was feeling a lot better and enjoying his walks. Though, as a dog who loved food, his diminished appetite was of concern. So, the vet felt a dental would alleviate any mouth/tooth pain and possibly get Louie eating more. I have never liked the idea of having a senior pet go under anesthesia, and told the vet my concerns. He assured me that Louie’s blood work and health were good, and he was a fine candidate for the dental. I half-heartedly agreed, hoping this would make Louie feel better, since he deserved the best quality of life possible. Louie was kept under anesthesia for longer than expected due to difficult tooth extractions. I picked him up on Monday night, and he was very groggy. The vet injected him with more morphine before we left to help the pain during the night. Louie was having labored breathing at the vet’s office, but they were not concerned. It continued during the night. And, in the morning, I found he had passed away. 

I am shocked, incredibly devastated and really, really want my beagle back with us. His life with us was far too short, and I feel cheated.

But, in his short life, he touched so many human and animal lives. I have been incredibly fortunate to love and been loved by such a remarkable pup. My heart is shattered, but I know time will help mend it. However, it will never be whole, as a part of my heart will forever remain with Louie.

Louie, you were my constant, affectionate companion and one of the loves of my life. I will never forget the sparkle in your eyes, your velvety smooth ears, your tender kisses on my nose, your paws softly patting my cheek and your excited gallop as you ran around the yard. But, mostly, I will never forget how you made me feel and all the love and years of extraordinary happiness you shared with me.

Good-night, my sweet Louie Love, goodnight.