On 6 June 2008, Chuck writes:

Tonight I have a very heavy heart.

My beloved Casey has been diagnosed with a very fast-moving and aggressive lymphoma.

He has slowed down quite a bit in the last month. He didn't want to eat last night and has been listless. This morning I went to scratch his throat and I felt two large masses around his wind pipe.

I knew in my heart what this was and I told my partner Jay about it. Jay took Casey to the vet for me because I'm working long hours and six days a week; it's been mandatory for the last six months.

I called Jay from work and asked him what the vet found. Jay said he wanted to wait till I got home from work to give me the bad news. Primary diagnosis . . . lymphoma. We'll get the test results back on Monday.

I won't put Casey through futile chemo treatments. They wouldn't turn him into a puppy again and just prolong the agony for both of us.

I've asked a friend of mine who took the first pictures of Casey & me to take some last pictures on her back porch where the originals were taken. Photos taken on 7 June 2008:

On 11 June comes the news . . .

Casey's cancer advanced to the point that I had to help him across The Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. He was failing fast and was crying because his body was failing him. He was embarrassed because he was losing control of his bodily functions and starting to stumble around.

I almost had to force feed him the chicken we cooked last night. Casey wanting not to eat, even on appetite-enhancing drugs, was not easy to watch. He knew it was time.

My heart feels like it has been ripped out. The house is so empty without his presence, even with four other dogs.

I don't have the words right now that can express how much I loved that big goof.

Goodbye, my daddy's boy, my Case-monster. Wait for me at The Bridge.

This house is so quiet . . . too quiet without my beloved Case-monster!

They always say when an Airedale dies that there will be a bright new star in the sky.

It's cloudy here so I won't see his star.
But if the Case-monster knows I can't see what he is up to,
he's gonna be a shooting star for sure.

That's my boy!

Faye McLEOD:

Sending prayers to Chuck and will light a candle for Casey. Cheyenne will be waiting on the other side of The Bridge with so many others that have gone . . . .

KAREN MORGAN:

Big sadness . . .

CHERYL SILVER:

So many tears . . . so much love . . . tonight we will light candles for Casey in Austin, Texas.

BOB ANDERSON:

A beautiful tribute to the Case-monster! Much Zen & many thoughts to Chuck . . .

MARY BRABENDER:

My heart goes out to Chuck & Jay in their loss. The idea of Casey being a "shooting star" captures the spirit of this story and the pictures . . . and the poem so describes the sentiments . . . we send our sympathy.

MARE MOORE & QUINCEY:

Yes, too many tears for it seems we've lost so many just this past year alone (sigh). Sending wishes for comfort and peace.

SUE FORRESTER:

It's a wild & blowy night here in southern Oz, and the half moon & stars are scudding fast amongst the clouds. I just looked up and there are two especially bright stars overhead.

Casey & Cheyenne have found each other and are travelling fast together as they cross over The Bridge.

Go safely, beloved boys - and if we listen carefully, we will hear the happy shouts of "Here they come! Casey! Cheyenne! Come and run with us!"

Sue & the Wombat Bend Mob in Oz

MARIE & GIL KORTA:

This story of Casey just brings back so many memories & tears of the final moments with our Tootsie & Dolly. The last whispers I shared with Tootsie was to "go find Dolly and run, run, run." So dearest Casey, find Tootsie & Dolly and run to them as fast as you can. They love to play.

JODIE BRITTAN:

That Casey sure was a handsome boy! What a happy & loved boy too. I like the picture of him & his friend, RatDog. That is cute.

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this - the last battle - can't be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Julia Napier, copyright 1999

Casey (@RB), RatDog & Kilo (@RB) shown with the kind permission of Chuck Rusk & Jay Samec