[Dailydrool] Rufus

[don/jan cook]

Yesterday we put our old Wheaton Terrier to sleep. He came to us two yrs ago, as our good friend was getting dementia and couldn't keep him anymore. They were going to put Rufus down. He was already 12,and had that genetic kidney disease that Wheatons are prone to get. 
Rufus' vet said he might live another month.
That was almost two yrs ago! I think with the onset of our friend's dementia, Rufus wasn't getting his medication or maybe even meals properly.
He gained 20 pounds while here, and was quite spry again. We were able to take him to visit his old owner often.
But these last few months Rufus got gradually weaker in the rear, and didn't go for walks anymore, and we had to use a firewood sling to get him in the car. 
The only attention he got from Stuart was a face cleaning. 
The Bldhnd would lie on Rufus' bed, when Rufus was already on it, so I suppose that was a sort of friendship.
We won't tell the owner Rufus has passed on, as I don't think he can take it in anymore . 
Stuart still visits him at least once a week in the nursing home, and pulls him down the hall, sled dog fashion. Our friend gets quite a kick out of that! And the staff think it is hilarious.
Rufus is no doubt up there somewhere, being a terrier........... what a different personality from a hound!
Jan