Clancy became part of the family one Christmas fourteen years ago. He is a Labrador cross who was found, along with his siblings, those many years ago, abandoned at a dump site. The SPCA took him into care until he was placed with us. Since that time he has been Mae’s best fiend and my constant walking companion. He loved to walk. He has been a very healthy dog up until very  recently. Of course he has aged and in the past 12 months he started slowing down. In the past three months he become afflicted with a respiratory problem that started to make walking slow and difficult. Yesterday (March 17, 2015) while walking on the crown land he had an almost catastrophic collapse and it was only with difficulty Mae managed to get him home. We decided that his days of  long walks were over. This morning we only walked him around the yard and once again he collapsed. He recover enough to start searching around in the bushes for a place to die. We had been warned that his respiratory condition would lead to this final outcome. It was with great sadness that we had to make the final decision to have him euthanized. So, at 4pm today, Wednesday March 18, 2015, the staff of the Tanglefoot Veterinary Clinic assisted Clancy on his final journey over “the Rainbow Bridge” to the place where all pets must eventually go. He started on this final journey from one of his favorite sunny spots at the front of the house. It was a very sad but peaceful farewell.

R.I.P CLANCY – MARCH 18, 2015

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Here is something Mae has had stuck on the refrigerator door for many years…

PETS TEN COMMANDMENTS

• My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
• Give me time to understand what you want of me.
• Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
• Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment.
• You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
• Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
• Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
• Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I chose not to bite you.
• Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I’ve been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak.
• Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
• On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please…. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for our pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God’s critters.

Please pass this onto other pet owners. We do not have to wait for heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs.

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