*UPDATE: My dad is out of surgery as of noon CST. Doing fine and the Drs. are very optimistic for his recovery. Thanks for all the prayers!*
Today is a pretty tough one. Its raining, which I hate, one of those cold, damp, drizzly rains. Then, my dad is in surgery for his back. I'm sure he's fine, but I hate the waiting and not knowing anything. I just wish my mom would call and tell me something! And, last, but certainly not least, I'm taking our beagle, Casper, to the vet today to have him put down. After a rough couple of weeks with him getting progressively more aggressive towards people and biting someone over the weekend, we've decided, that, for everyone's safety and peace of mind, its time for him to go. I HATE doing this, but I know its the right decision. I just can't risk Elizabeth's safety or the safety of my nieces/nephews.
So, I'm sad. Casper was my first baby, the first dog that was truly mine. We went and picked him up from a breeder on a cold and wet March day. He was only 3 1/2 months old- I remember Damon climbing over a fence, in the mud to pick him up. We drove home w/ him on my lap. I remember how little he was and how much he struggled to get up and down the stairs in our townhouse. How he loved to ride in the car and how great he did every time we moved. How he was my teddy bear when Damon was away from me for school or when he left for the Army. How he cuddled with me during thundertorms and always let me hold him when I needed to cry. How he protected me from all kinds of things, how he always begged for the scraps leftover from cutting carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce. How we taught him to catch popcorn and how to speak softly. What a show-off he was at puppy kindergarten and how beautiful he was when he ran.
I'll miss a lot of things about my "fuzzy", but mostly his wagging tail, his sloppy dog kisses and how excited he would get when I'd get home. I'll also be missing how patient and gentle he's been (for the most part) with Elizabeth and how cute she is when she pets and hugs him or when she wants to take him for a walk.
I'll post some pictures later on..right now I'm holding them close to my heart. I'll never forget or replace you, Casper....thank you for being my dog.
