THE BUMPASS HOUNDS (and Kitties)

HOMER

Hey Hounders,

It's the Dad here with sad news about our beloved boy Homer. Yesterday, Jan 31st, Homer crossed over The Rainbow Bridge. Our veterinarian, Dr. Alan Witter of Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital, recently had back surgery and wasn't available to help out Homer. Fortunately, Doc has a tremendously competent and caring support staff that excel at what they do. So yesterday afternoon I wrote the "Doc" an email to bring him up to speed on the situation and to allow me to express my feelings.

Homer resting with Alex and Boru

Homer's AHGRRS Adoption Photo
October 2007

Hey Doc,

I took today off from work to take care of my boy Homer. Homer was a rescue dog that we got a few months after we lost Chance. He was about 8 years old when we got him. He had been in a shelter in southwest VA. He'd been the "out front" greeting dog for sometime but the county had decided that he wasn't going to be adopted and should be put down. The shelter crew was able to have him transferred to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary. From there he came to us. He was what AM refers to as the "perfect" dog. He had obviously been trained and well taken care of in his earlier life. Perhaps his owner had passed on. Homer didn't bark, he never showed any aggression (he was a lover, not a fighter). He wouldn't come into the house without being invited to do so. He wouldn't get on the furniture or beds or place himself under foot. He waited inconspicuously and patiently to be fed or be given a treat. We, with the help of Jubal, JEB, Jack, Shelby, etc., had to break him of all those good habits. Although he eventually became comfortable with going out and coming in and even would get up on the big bed in the MBR that was about the extent of his adjustment. He remained as close to the "perfect dog" that we've ever had. Rescues often bring along baggage from their previous lives, sometimes significant baggage. Not Homer; his only "fault" was his ability to use his head as a shovel to get pats and he was an expert at that.

We took Homer in to see Dr. Elizabeth Collins when he developed that hacking cough. We wanted a geriatric workup while we were at it. Dr. Collins only took one x-ray when she saw the numerous tumors throughout Homer's chest. She seemed so despondent when she told AM about Homer's condition. We were told what to expect and were provided with the medication necessary to suppress his cough and to keep him comfortable. We would have to decide when it was time to let go of our perfect boy. So it was that we appreciatively and attentively took care of him during his last days with us. Now it's over; it's done.

Krystal (Doc's office manager) pulled into the parking area while I was waiting outback; AM had gone inside around front to announce our arrival. I had backed the Suburban in under the carport by the back door. Homer and AM had been in the back seat with AM cradling Homer head for the trip up but I moved Homer back into the cargo compartment after I parked. Krystal was so concerned for us. AM came back out and her and Krystal talked about your current situation. Dr. Collins and (VT) Jessica soon came out the back door and Krystal left saying she didn't do well in these situations. Homer was very placid and didn't even raise his head. Jessica crawled in the back of the Suburban to hold Homer while Dr. Collins shaved Homer's leg to prep for the injection. AM and I held onto our boy along with Jessica while he just laid there without any concerns. I held his head in my hands so as to close his eyes while Dr. Collins administered the injection. It was very quickly over. Homer made no movement and made only one low guttural moan as he peacefully slipped away from us. He easily let go as he knew it was his time. He hadn't eaten since Saturday morning and he, not much unlike you, has been spending his days on the bed in the MBR. He enjoyed the last two weeks of McDonald's double cheeseburgers and Arby's roast beef sandwiches. I took him out for a walk Sunday afternoon sans leash since I thought him too debilitated to present a problem, but he promptly took off up the road to the neighbor's house. When I reached him he was panting and it was a slow walk back to the house. Unlike Chance, Homer had periods where he appeared fine and periods where he didn't. The daily highs diminished in intensity and the lows increased. Chance only had one bad day during his 2 month fight and then he just dropped off the edge of the cliff.

It was a quiet ride home. I wrapped Homer and carried him out behind the garage to the spot that I had already prepared for him. He's now resting in peace next to Chance and Gordon.

Dr. Collins' manner was exceptional. She assured us that Homer was ready and that we hadn't waited too long. She was kind and gentle towards him and us. She spoke to him As "Homey", the name that we used when talking to him. AM said that from the time she went inside to check-in that everyone treated her with every consideration. When AM asked Christie about payment she was told not to worry about it today and it could be taken care of later (I'll stop in there Friday). Jessica (front desk) was very comforting to AM and Jessica (LVT) assured AM that everything would be OK. The entire staff made it a comforting, albeit still painful, experience. We give them all an A+ in bedside manner and client satisfaction.

I apologize for venting to you while you're laid up yourself but it seems to ease my heartache somewhat. Our thoughts and prayers have turned from Homer's situation to your welfare. We wish you a speedy and complete recovery. You're held in high esteem by your clients and we actually do care about you quite a bit.

Keep in touch.

We miss Homer. Last night I spent 10 minutes looking for the mssing dog at bedtime roll call before remembering that the pack's end strength was down by one. This morning when my alarm went off Homer wasn't standing at the side of the bed awaiting his good morning pats. Abby didn't have Homer's back to nit-pick on and had to use Jubal instead; Jubal needs to adjust. I had an extra bowl set out to fill at breakfast before I remembered that Homer wasn't here. It will take a few days for me to adjust too. I'm sure that we'll be posting a bit more about our loss. Please bear with us.
Our condolences go out to our New England blog buddies, Sue and George; their angel Maggie, of Mitch and Maggie fame, went to the Bridge last Saturady and was waiting to greet Homer. Please stop by their blog.
- TBH + K Dad

Homer with New Years Spiral Ham

Homer moves in - November 2007

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should 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 to my needs they’ll tend,

Only, stay with me ‘til 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 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.

- Anonymous

Hey Hounders,
Sophie here to say that we're very sad to have to tell y'all that Mr. Skip up at Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary has crossed The Rainbow Bridge. We received the following two e-mails from Ms. Carol:

From:	Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue
Sent:	Jan 15, 2012 06:03:59 AM

Ralph E. (Skip) Free 5-22-51 to 1-15-2012

Skip lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at 2:40 am this morning.

I've lost my heart and heaven has gained an angel.

Carol

___________________________________________________

Hi: For those of you who don't know, Skip, my very beloved husband, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer very early this morning. We will be holding a small service for him on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm at Giffin's Funeral Home in Capon Bridge, WV. Everyone is invited - - - - - it will be very informal.

For those of you who can't come on Wednesday, there will be Celebration of His Life Party later this year - - - - - -

Thanks to everyone for their support and kindnesses. Skip was the world to me - - - and he did so much good in his life.

Carol Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.

Mr. Skip was a GReat person. He helped to save countless lives through his kindness and consideration. He was always willing to do whatever was necessary to help a homeless animal. Mom and dad adopted five of us Bumpass Hounds from Mr. Skip and Ms. Carol. One, Gordon, has been at The Rainbow Bridge for a few years now and we know that he was there to greet Mr. Skip. Sophie, Abby, Patti, and Homer are still with us thanks to Mr. Skip. It would be Great if y'all could send a condolence note to:

Carol Free

Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue

P.O. Drawer D

Delray, WV 26714

In Mr. Skip's memory, please don't forget to vote for AHGRRS in the Shelter Challenge; just "click" on The Animal Rescue Site logo at the top of our blog's right sidebar.

http://www.almostheaven-golden-retriever-rescue.org

Ralph E. (Skip) Free
May 22, 1951 - January 15, 2012

Skip was co-founder of Almost Heaven and dedicated a large portion of his life to helping and rescuing animals. Skip was a gentle, compassionate, dedicated man who gave up many personal comforts (including vacations) to help those dogs (animals) who needed him most. Skip leaves behind AHGRR's cofounder and wife, Carol Free.

Almost Heaven will continue to save those animals who need us. It was Skip's request, and last wish that the rescue continue it's work in his memory - and in his honor. It is a legacy that will be fulfilled. Donations in Skip's memory will be used for the comfort and care of the orphan dogs in the care of Almost Heaven.

Thank you, everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. This is a very difficult time - but Skip's spirit will see us all through ~ Carol

MR. SKIP

You can leave a condolence message at:

http://www.giffinfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/giffin0/obit.cgi?user=555184Free