A Spork in the Road

Our faithful Cocker Spaniel, Sudz (Beer Sudz Lamour Barcaski-Long) — food aficionado, sometime Rottweiller-puppy-impersonator, fart machine extraordinaire — went to the great dog park in the sky during the wee hours of the morning.

He’d been a little out of it for a few days, and last night we talked about taking him to the vet. During the night he woke us up with his hacking and panting, and Lil soon brought him on the bed to comfort him. He settled down once he was in her arms and she started telling stories about the little guy, happy memories of when he was a puppy. After a few minutes he took a deep breath and — stopped.

We tried to drive to the Animal Hospital, and in my agitation I got the directions wrong and we spent several minutes driving around one intersection looking for the hospital. Finally Lil called and got the right directions and we found the place. The vet confirmed he had died and we arranged for him to be cremated.

It has been a very sad day. But Sudz died peacefully, surrounded by love, and for that we’re thankful.