Casey came into our family from the Bethany Humane Society. The kids were away on spring break and I casually called the Shelter to see if they had any new puppies for adoption. That’s how it all started…
She came to our home when she was 8 weeks old. She was tiny and easily carried in our arms – something we did a lot in those early days. We lived in a converted barn surrounded by sheds and additional barns housing the rest of our animal family. Casey soon established herself amidst the 40 chickens, 2 horses, 4 sheep, 1 goat and 3 cats. Her small size did not diminish her bold approach to any animal regardless of their size.
Casey never developed a thick coat of hair so the cold winter nights found her looking for someone to sleep with. As the night went on she would nudge you to allow her to crawl down under the covers by your feet where she became a perfect “warmer”.
In later years we moved into New Haven. Casey was clearly a people person and when we went for walks, I, the pacifist, was embarrassed by my small “tiger” growling and lunging at the other dogs or squirrels or cats that crossed our path. I always mused at the stories Casey must have had to tell, if she could, as she was an adventure seeker! She seemed to love us and the comforts of home but whatever chance she could get she ran away, perhaps prompted by that defiant squirrel in our yard and then she was “off”! Safety was our concern for her but try as we might, she was fast and elusive and many a night she did not come home - some kind family or person took her in and loved her and cared for her and gave her treats. I made lots of plates of oatmeal bars as a thank you to their kind gestures. Casey always, with a little help from us, enclosed a note giving thanks for being cared for so well and for being returned to her family.
Even as she aged and the black face hairs turned to gray, she kept that twinkle in her eye and the impish spirit. Up until the end folks would refer to her as a puppy.
My kids have moved out of the house now and they didn’t see Casey on a regular basis but coming home always meant seeing Casey, giving her lots of attention and learning of her latest exploits.
At age 15 as her health declined, a trip to the vet showed some heart problems and some other aging related issues. She appeared to not be in pain and although her care needs increased I opted to provide that care so that she might naturally live out her life. Extreme weight loss, 2 episodes of seizure like activity and frank blood in her urine finally convinced me that it was time to take action. At Dan’s recommendation we bought a roasted chicken at the market and indulged Casey with a tasty meal that she seemed to enjoy. An appointment at the vet’s office was prompt but I struggled with the decision – in the cycle of life and death, was I allowed to choose her fate? As I held her and watched her calmly and gracefully pass I could come to know that I loved her and that I did my best to care for her.
I miss her even more than I imagined I would…
about us
- susan and dan
- Our plan : To take a leisurely sail around the world exploring new lands and new cultures as we go. On the way we intend to place equal importance to the inward journey as to the external journey. On our path we’ll strive to live in harmony with nature and to travel in as self-sustaining, low impact way as possible. What Dan says About Susan: She is a nurse, a mother, a yogini, a dancing-singing-earthborn-spirit and a friend to many. She is my beloved. what susan says about dan: a wise and gentle man, respectful of the earth and all that is within; an accomplished student of the energy disciplines, a yogi. dan is serious and responsible about the things that matter; playful and witty in the balance. an observant with his third eye, his trusty camera, a photographer. an ex-rock climber, a kayaker - disciplined, patient and purposeful; all this and a humble man - this is my beloved... About Us: as Snatam Kaur says; “We are light, we are love, we are dreams…”