Cabell as a puppy |
He and Gypsy bonded immediately and were close companions until she died. Cabell was the only dog, ever, who could get the serious-minded Gypsy to let loose and play. He could goad her and annoy her in ways that she would never have tolerated from any other dog. We let Gypsy raise him, which in retrospect probably wasn't a great idea, but Cabell had none of her distrust, fear, and suspicion of strangers.
Cabell and Bremo |
There are very few good pictures of Cabell. Most are blurry and show him turning away because he hated having his picture taken. He would get up and leave the room whenever he saw a camera come out. It was always rather frustrating because he was such a handsome dog. His coat and his eyes were the color of honey. He had a black muzzle, four white socks, and a world class tail. Cabell's tail was long and thick and he carried it curled up high over his back like a flag. The underside of the tail was white. When the grass in the pasture was tall you could generally still spot Cabell's tail bobbing through the tall grass like a white tailed deer. Cabell's muzzle turned to grey as he got older, giving him a very distinguished look. Although he was pretty playful and goofy when he was young, as he matured he grew into a distinguished gentleman so the new look fit him well.
He had been living with a diagnosis of kidney disease for several years but was generally doing pretty well. He had remarkably few health problems throughout his life. He's been deaf for some time now so getting him back inside from his strolls around the yard involved so much hand signaling that I felt like the airport landing crew directing planes to and from their departure gates. He had been developing some signs of dementia, could no longer do the stairs to the second floor, and was just generally slowing down, but still doing pretty well. The last couple days, however, things seemed to be going south and this morning I found him standing listlessly in the middle of floor with labored breathing and I felt the time had come to let him go.
Cabell never met a stranger. He didn't have an instinct to fear, distrust, or be angry at anyone and he was never given a reason to develop one. He was always good with everyone of every gender and every species. He's as sweet as tupelo honey, and he's an angel of the first degree.
I'm going to miss that face.
This is the quintessential Cabell picture, tail carried high curled up over his back, and facing away from the camera. |
10 comments:
I'm so sorry. What a great dog.
Kathleen
I'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like an awesome dog.
You gave him a wonderful life. Treasure your memories and he will live in your heart forever. xx
RIP Cabell. He was an essential member of your family and he will be much missed. Deepest and sincere sympathy from my pack to yours.
: ( so very sorry for your friend's passing. May you meet again at the end of the rainbow.
I'm so sorry. From everything you have said about him, he was one of a kind, and was lucky to be a part of your pack.
Krissy
I am so sorry you lost Cabell. I know it's a terrible thing to go through. I always looked forward to the offchance of seeing a photo of the handsome guy, as I knew he was not fond of the camera. Sending love and hugs to you and yours.
So sorry about Cabell. It's hard to lose them, no matter how old they are. I read your blog every day and feel like I know your "gang." You are a good soul for all you do w/these dogs; they are lucky to have you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You gave him such a great life and he sounds like he was a wonderful pup.
so sorry you had to say farewell to Cabell. Nice to think of he and Bremo united once again.
Post a Comment