Remembering Gucci!

Today we returned from a wonderful two weeks out of town. We spent 2 wonderful days with you and Jared. We then went to Hingham for a week and 1/2 with Allison, Brian, Emma and Alex. This time included: a Red Sox game with amazing seats, a trip back to Fenway for a cool date with the Nolen's and a concert by Paul, 3 trips to beaches, a day trip to the beautiful ocean town of Marion, two trips to farms, two more trips to playgrounds, two library visits, two ice cream outings, a visit to Derby Street for a visit with a firetruck and countless hours of fun and games at 8 Flintlock Circle. We added a nice visit, at the end, to Syracuse to say good-bye to Aunt Rosamond. Despite all that goodness it was with a sad heart, that we we returned home to 1012. I opened the door to an empty house. Gucci was really gone! The sad reality set in once more. But in our mail was a letter from my good friend, Kurt. He had drawn this wonderful picture of Gucci for us to remember him!

Final Resting Places

Today we received Gucci's ashes so we decided to take them to his final resting places. The first one is in the grass at the far end of the pool. He would sit out there in the evening just staring back in the corner for hours. We called this his "patrolling".

The second place is in Sugarcreek Reserve. It is on a path that both Mom and I walk regularly, but it is not a main path. We plan to visit him for as long as we are in Ohio. We plan to leave bones for him at both places.

Gucci has reached the finish line! And we were all winners! "The Summer of Gucci" has ended!

The Summer of Gucci Ends

Today, early afternoon, Gucci left us. It was very quick and peaceful. I petted him through the process and he just went to sleep and died. I was glad I was with him and could see how peaceful it was. My thanks to his vet, Dr. Talmadge, for a lifetime of great care and compassion! He was a great dog and he was well loved and will be missed! The "Summer of Gucci" has ended.

"One Day More!"

I keep thinking of the song from the musical Les Mis, "One Day More." Like the song, Gucci keeps going, one day more, but now I believe it is more a case of days rather than weeks before "The Summer Of Gucci" ends. Yesterday when he stumbled over to me and crashed and lay with his head on my foot (see picture from previous entry). I thought he was telling me it was time and he was ready. However, today he perked up! Physically he is no better but he was "perkier", less lethargic and more interactive. So Jane and I will evaluate him on a daily basis. If we decide it is time we will call both girls before we take him to the vet. For now "The Summer Of Gucci continues... Below is a picture of Gucci, this evening, in his new standard position.

A Great Pool Day!

Today was a great pool day! So we spent most of the day outside, where Gucci does a little better. Still fed him by hand and had to stand him up inside and out. But outside, once he is up, he actually gets around very slowly and unsteadily. Every step is difficult for him. Ultimately he ends by falling to the ground and then staying there in a spread eagle position. In the picture below he had just finished walking around and going to the bathroom. He came over and crashed and lay at my feet. I know he is frustrated and the falling hurts him! So sad!

It also is our anniversary so he got to lick the plate from my cake. He really liked that. Tomorrow is supposed to be another nice day. Maybe he will have another decent day. The "Summer of Gucci" continues...

Talking to the turkey!

Thanksgiving and Christmas are Gucci's favorite holidays! He has been obsessed with turkey and when we took the turkey out to cool and carve and put in on the counter, he would whine. He would not stop until we actually moved the turkey. I'm reminded of this because today he can no longer stand and walk. If he sees someone in the kitchen preparing food he whines. I moved him from the great room to the kitchen and he still whined! Gucci physically is failing rapidly, and I fear it will not be too long when he can no longer stand and walk even with assistance. When that happens I believe it will be time to say good bye. For now the "Summer of Gucci" continues...

Gucci's a Reader!

I took this picture today because Gucci has just about always been at my feet. Only these days you have to pick him up and carry him there. Once he is there he can't move around much. So in this pose he looks like a reader!

I have noticed that his walking outside is becoming limited. Just about a week ago he would walk around the fence in the back. He has not done so lately. Maybe tomorrow. The summer of Gucci continues ...