DrugDog

Final Post

2010-07-12T19:55:00.001-07:00

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I type this entry. Chaba has passed on and we no longer have him to listen for the jingle of car keys, to rise at the smell of cooking in the kitchen, or to recline in the front yard sunbathing. He grew lethargic and tired over the past two weeks or so and I quietly feared the worst. A sudden illness Sunday sent me to the vet for the last time. He was in some pain and unable to eat. He was weak and wanted only to lie on the floor and sleep. Examination revealed a mass in his abdomen and at his age our options were few. We returned to the vet today and sat with him for 30 minutes, petting him, scratching all his favorite spots and then reluctantly notified the Dr. it was time. He went peacefully and we brought him home for a private family funeral. He now rests next to Judge, his predecessor, and now can rest without pain. He was the sweetest dog we have ever had and his absence cannot be quantified. He rarely made a sound, but the quiet about the house is deafening. I know I will catch myself looking for him in John's room, or sleeping on the tile in the bathroom, or think I hear him sighing mildly in the hallway. Rest easy old man.

7AM at the House

2008-05-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Chaba and Anna are reluctant to rise for another day, more content to just wallow in the sheets and wait for a more reasonable hour in which to leave the comfort of their bed.

Relaxing in the Sun

2008-05-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Chaba loves cruising around the yard, stopping regularly to rest, roll in the grass, sniff the air, and generally just be a content bulldog.

Anna's best bud'

2008-05-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Chaba gets a little love from his best bud' Anna

Chaba and Norman

2008-05-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

Chaba and Norman wait together at the top of the stairs, the best vantage point for watching all the goings on in the house. This pose is a far cry from when Chaba first came to live with us.

In-Store Entertainment

2008-05-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Chaba keeps a couple of ladies waiting for prescriptions company to help the minutes pass. I'm not sure about them but I'm pretty certain he likes this setup. Actually, I think they sort of like it as well.

Chaba helps with counseling patients

2008-05-07T19:27:00.001-07:00

Chaba comes out front with me to assist as I advise a patient about her medicine.

2008-05-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

After the first take with everyone, Chaba decided he was done posing and offered a different perspective. I think I like the front side better.

2008-05-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

The more they drink, the more they drop. As always, Chaba quietly, almost somberly, waits for dropped morsels. With parties, it is even better. And of course everyone wants to slip the dog a snack when no one else is looking.

2008-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Chaba poses with the crowd at our annual Kentucky Derby party. He looks to be enjoying himself anyway.

Food could hit the floor at ANY TIME

2008-04-13T14:44:00.001-07:00

Chaba patrols the store and finding no one to sit with shuffles over to the fountain for a thorough analysis. With food preparation going on all morning bits of food hit the deck sooner or later. Chaba plans on being there to clean up the mess no questions asked.

Chaba enjoys a cup of Joe with the Morning Crowd

2008-04-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Once the morning coffee crowd filters in around 10AM, Chaba ambles over, picks a likely spot for a good ear and back scratch and plops down. It is interesting to watch because the customers are familiar with him and so show little reaction to his presence. He will not impose himself into the conversation, no chin on knee or slobber wipes. He simply likes being around people and so will find a near spot and sit patiently. Sooner or later, he knows, someone will admire him and give him a cheerful rub.

Inspecting the Fountain

2008-04-13T14:30:00.001-07:00

Chaba visits our fountain to inspect the quality of cheese we are using in our ham and cheese sandwiches. Mary really enjoys his company and truthfully we have to keep an eye on her that she doesn't feed him too much. As you may be able to tell, he misses few meals. Whenever things are slow you can find Chaba sitting as only a bulldog does quietly in the fountain watching Mary's every move.

ABOUT THE DRUG DOG

2008-04-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

THIS IS MY DOG, CHABA. HE IS A RESCUE BULLDOG AND AT 8 YEARS OLD IS A BIT OF AN OLD MAN. BUT DON'T LET THAT FACE FOOL YOU, HIS IS ALERT TO ALL WHO PASS HIS WAY. I OWN A DRUGSTORE AND BECAUSE OF HIS CALM, RELAXED NATURE HE COMES WITH ME TO WORK MOST DAYS. I GUESS HE IS OUR VERSION OF A STORE GREETER AND HE LOVES NOTHING MORE THAN TO WANDER THE STORE AND GREET EACH AND ALL AND MAYBE SIT WITH YOU A WHILE. I HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD THIS GUY BARK HE IS SO LAID BACK. SO JOIN ME AS I DOCUMENT HIS DAYS AT THE DRUGSTORE AND ALL THE FINE FOLKS HE BEFRIENDS.