I had hoped to have finished and posted the blog article that was promised, but due to circumstances of personal importance I had to put it on the back burner.
Last Sunday, St Patrick's Day, I had my 16-year-old dachshund Penny put down. I had been doing hospice care for the last month as Cushing's disease and old age was taking a rapid course. This was the social contract as this was the least that I could do for her loyalty to the family.
She was a lovely lady. She provided joy and comfort to me and the rest of the family. She is sorely missed by all, especially by my remaining three dachshunds. I picked up her cremains today and placed them in an urn that my wife had ordered last Sunday.
Penny was the alpha, inherited by the passing of my 16 y/o dachshund Callie back in 2015. She was the most benevolent of alphas. With three younger dogs she had a knack for breaking up any trouble brewing amongst them. She simply would post her body between them thus avoiding any fights.
I could go on and on about her but the placard on her urn speaks volumes, "The Best Dog Ever." It's the truth as I've owned the breed for over forty years, and I have never witnessed such a kind and loving soul. What's somewhat heartbreaking for me is that I will probably never have such a dog for the remainder of my life.
So, a new alpha is in charge, Lilly, my 13-year-old. May she live up to her sister's reputation.
I'll start back on the new article soon.
