Casey was a beautiful sable…. 9 yrs old when he was signed over to SSPSNJ due to family allergies.
Since Casey wasn’t neutered, he was scheduled for surgery within a few weeks of coming to rescue. His foster mom had discovered a plum-sized lump the first day he was in her care and was concerned that it had never been evaluated ~ so excision and biopsy were performed while he was under anesthesia for neuter/teeth cleaning.
The biopsy revealed a rare type of adenocarcinoma in the sweat gland. Without a full body scan [beyond our reach financially], we had no way of knowing if the cancer was local or metastasized through his body. Aneita sent a request to the Sheltie Rescue network for advice and suggestions for long-term care.
Stacy Hindt of Cody Hollow Farms/Northern Chesapeake Sheltie Rescue contacted Aneita & offered to give Casey a forever home ~ no matter the length of time. Stacy drove from Maryland on August 27th to meet Casey’s foster mom.
Next day’s e-mail said that he did well his first night and was spending the afternoon with his new sheltie brothers, lounging under the trees as they all enjoyed their frozen marrow bones. Due to Casey’s difficulty in walking & lack of endurance, his “project” on the farm would be to sun on the deck or just hang out with his new family [mom/dad/kids, shelties, bunnies, Shetland ponies].
September 12th e-mail from Stacy said that he was settling in well. However, she was concerned about a few new lumps that had appeared and the fact that he had tripped/fell onto his side for no apparent reason. She had made an appointment for him to see the vet early the following week.
On September 14th, Stacy contacted us with the following message:
It's with an extremely heavy heart I write this. I was up with the sun to go do chores, and four happy dogs accompanied me through the backyard as I checked on the two horses in the small field behind our house. Settling down near the willow tree, they waited while I went to the barn to feed and water and do a quick check there.
Coming back, I called them, and Casey failed to rise. It appears while I was gone he peacefully fell asleep under the willow where they liked to wait for me. The three others were honorably sitting with him as I came up the hill through the gate.
Over the weekend, Casey had a few off moments where it looked like he was faltering, which is why he had a vet appointment later this week. It appears he chose his time…..
Casey the past few weeks has been a joy[Always there when we walked outside to go for a walk, or sit by me as I watched Katie swim], as well as a trial sometimes when he stole flip flops from by the pool and carried them under the deck to chew on. He had his good days when he would bounce up and down the steps, and the times when I had to give a helping hand. Days when he'd chow his food down and be first to go outside to potty before they all came in to go to bed. And he loved to be first!
Rob and I will be laying him to rest tonight out back near the woods and our creek where he liked to wander on our walks. So around nightfall, say a little prayer as we send him to the bridge.
~ Our heartfelt thanks to Stacy ~
Casey had a home with 24-hr/day companionship during his last weeks. He was happy, knew that he was loved, and felt safe and secure enough to lie down for a nap before beginning his journey to the Bridge. Those of us directly involved in his care very quickly became attached. He was a sweet, gentle soul. All he asked in return was our love, lots of ear scratches and tummy rubs. He touched our hearts and we are honored to have been part of his life.
God bless and God Speed ~ we love you Casey.
Casey in the Garden
Casey in the garden (2)
Casey & Buddy
Casey, Buddy and Sashi
Casey, Buddy & Sashi (2)
Shetland Sheepdog Placement Svs. of NJ is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
