I have only had two Dogs that I have absolutely loved. The first was Dr Demento, a Dachshund that was awesome. He was my childhood dog. But about 3 & a half years ago, Patricia and I rescued Rommell from a Pommeranian Rescue center. He was an old dog. But the name Rommell, and his funny Diana Ross eyes made us instantly love him.
He had a limp, was slightly arthritic, but seemed to be in better spirits without the medication. He was definitely more lively. Rommell was the best dog I ever had. He barked at the word, "PUSSY" - He would go BARKNUTS if you shot at him with this little plastic musket. My favorite though was how he would just come over and have entire conversations with me. No, not Berkowitz style, but he would come over, STARE at me, until I did what he wanted. And he always was able to communicate his needs through sheer expression.
Beginning about 5 days ago, something seemed a bit off about Rommell. He seemed a bit more lethargic than usual. When he began walking a bit like a drunken sailor, we became very attentive. I began hand feeding him, and bringing him his water. He went to the Vet 2 days ago. And since that visit, we could never get Rommell to eat or drink again.
Last night, he laid beside me as I watched some films, and when I asked him to move, so I could go to bed, he couldn't. I picked him up and laid him across my chest and he was so peaceful, so calm. I'd never really done that with Rommell before. He wasn't the sort of dog for hugging, he was a Nazi dog afterall, but it felt right last night. And I hugged and tried to hand feed him for about 30 minutes last night. But he just wouldn't eat. I had a feeling when I went to bed that it was the last days of Rommell. He just. He wouldn't eat.
I awoke to Patricia crying. She wanted me to confirm that Rommell was dead. This wasn't an easy task. Rommell usually looked dead. He'd lay out on his side for hours, barely moving. But this time, he was dead. He had a sad, teary look on his face, but he looked peaceful. I covered him up with an old T-Shirt, and began crying.
As a writer - I spend an inordinate amount of time here at home. Often times, I tried out ideas on Rommell and he was always a great collaborator. Barking an affirmative or sneezing at me in disgust. His needs were always paramount to our own, but he was an incredibly sweet dog.
Rommell is gone now. We'll get a new dog someday soon, when we're ready, but till then... and even after then, I'm going to miss Rommell a lot. He was an amazing doggy.