A year ago, I wrote "Trying to Catch My Old Dog Luis," guessing that the day was coming soon when he would stop being the happy, grateful little dog he's always been since at least 2002, and I would have the vet put him to sleep. I included many photos from our life together. More recently, I wrote about the soul or anima of an animal, with descriptions of how desires and pleasures animate my younger dog Mia. But I was thinking how tired Luis's anima had grown. (See "Mia's Anima, A Dog's Soul.")
This holiday, even as I write this, Luis has often wandered listlessly, moaning, pausing at the waterdish and not drinking, turning away from food, pausing at the door, but not staying to go out. Even when I pet him, though he will reach up and lick me once, or lean his face into my palm, he seems distracted and a little anxious -- I suppose because of aches that the pain medicine hasn't helped.
It's time. Here are some recent pictures that show what a happy, contented, affectionate dog he can still be, at moments ever fewer and farther between.
PS - Thank you to friends Susan and Suzanne who went with me to the vet. They have each cared for Luis over the years. While we waited, he cycled among the three of us for affection everywhere he turned.
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