I had to take little old Ricky, who came to us this past June, to the vet today to be put to sleep. I took this photo of Alayne holding Ricky in happier days. Already ancient when he arrived, stone deaf and with no teeth, we knew Ricky wouldn't be with us for that long. But the speed with which he deterioriated in the past couple of months was still rather astonishing.
Unfortunately, his mind went first, with what our vet Brenda Culver had called "old dog cognitive dysfunction syndrome," or doggie Alzheimer's. Then his body began shutting down, and it became impossible to keep weight on him as his kidneys began failing. Ricky's tiny frame got thinner and thinner.
Finally, this week we realized the time had come to let him go. He was "existing" but not living, not enjoying life any longer. This little guy, who we had called a "kissin' fool" because he always liked to lick us whenever we picked him up, no longer even did that in the past week. Indeed, today as I picked him up off the back seat of the truck to carry him into the clinic, I held him next to my face to see if I could get one last kiss ... but it didn't happen. He didn't even seem to realize I was there, bless his little heart. A few minutes later he was gone, peacefully.
Thank you so much for giving little Ricky a great place during the last months of his time on earth. You are the best.
Hugs of comfort,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | November 09, 2006 at 03:50 PM
Little Ricky you were the sweetest little guy...reminding me of my beloved Owen now you are both watching over us. Thank you for taking care of him and showing him love.
Posted by: Leigh | November 08, 2006 at 11:43 AM
Sooo sorry to hear about the loss of Ricky. You gave him the care and love he needed right to the end.
Posted by: Nina | November 06, 2006 at 09:31 PM
I don't know how you folks do it. I'm a medic who has dealt with death a few times. I lost my dog October 6 of this year, and I found his passing to be the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with. I have the utmost respect for you folks because of what you do. I’m sure Ricky died knowing he was loved.
Posted by: Mark | November 05, 2006 at 05:32 PM
Dear little man.
Posted by: Kathy | November 04, 2006 at 01:04 AM
Its always so sad to lose a good friend. There is no doubt that there is no more suffering. Its always great to know that these little guys are given the "Best of the Best" at your place. Thanks for being there for them.
Posted by: Phyllis and John | November 04, 2006 at 12:06 AM
Steve, you and Alayne and everyone involved in Ricky's care made him feel special and loved; so much so he became a "kisser", probably something he was to afraid to do before coming to the ranch. Ricky will be loved on his next journey too.
My sincere sympathy is sent to you all.
Posted by: Leilani | November 03, 2006 at 01:08 PM
Blessings on you both for making little Ricky's last days on earth a foretaste of Paradise.
Posted by: Gabby | November 03, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Animals give us such joy and comfort but they also can wring our hearts and break them in two, can't they? I am so happy Ricky had the last months with you and was feeling good and safe enough to give you kisses. A little cherished interlude.
Tears in my eyes!
Thank you for all you do for them, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | November 03, 2006 at 11:59 AM
I'm sorry for the loss of Ricky but know that he had 4 months of the best care and lovin' any little dog could have. Blessings to you and Ricky.
Posted by: Miranda | November 03, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Bless his sweet little soul. At least his last few months were full of love. Like my sweet Cind, who also succumbed to kidney failure, it sounds like Ricky had been living with one paw in this world and one paw in the next, and finally he was ready to go. For what it's worth, now he's free of his troubled body and is no doubt romping about in meadows at the Rainbow Bridge, watching over all of you at RDR.
Posted by: Cathy | November 03, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Hi, so sorry, your site is the first one I check each morning. He had a soft and kind home for the last little while of his life.
Thanks for being there...
Posted by: Cathy | November 03, 2006 at 06:08 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Ricky. At least he had the months of his life a happy one!!
Posted by: Laura Whale | November 03, 2006 at 01:50 AM
Steve and Alayne~~
I'm sorry you lost Little Ricky today. It's hard telling what that little boy went through before he made it to the ranch. Love is sent to you, Little Ricky, as you continue your journey.
Posted by: Roz | November 03, 2006 at 01:19 AM
Bless your hearts, for the good work you do.
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | November 02, 2006 at 09:59 PM
So long little Ricky. Glad he had so much care and love in his final days with you all.
Posted by: Karen SA/TX | November 02, 2006 at 09:40 PM