[Cagdu] some history

[Ken Volonte]

Hi all.  There has been a question about why I'm retiring Gulliver.  To understand my thinking, perhaps you need to know something about my previous guide Roydy.  He was a good worker, but along about the time he was seven or eight, he started having bladder infections.  Finally, the treatments weren't working for any more than a few weeks.  I retired Roydy when he was just eight and a half, and it haunted me because he was so young.  Had I done all that I could have done?  

    Now, Roydy was back with his raisers and their two little kids.  I knew he was having a great time just hanging out and being a pet.  I was unprepared for the phone call which informed me that Roydy had died of bladder cancer.  He had been in pain for a long time, and finally, his quality of life was such that he had to be put down so that he wouldn't suffer any more.  I'm glad I retired Roydy when he could still run and play with the kids for a while, when he could still have some dogness in his life.  I retired him at just the right time from my point of view. A couple more years and Roydy was gone.  He died of bladder cancer. 

    Now, as to Gulliver and his condition; he will gladly do any guide work that I ask of him, but it's very hard for him to wake up and get started.  Whereas in the past, if Velvet and I weren't up by nine o'clock and getting ready for our day, Gulliver would race around the house, leap on the bed, wine, bark and try everything he knew to get us up and moving into a bright new day that was full of promise.  Now, it's just so hard for him to start out, and when we've finished our walk down and back to breakfast, he just collapses on the floor exhausted.  It's time for him ////to frisk and play and be a companion for my gentle friend who loves animals and has a heart for what all of her animals have felt.  I hope that this is a more /complete explanation for my decision.  I'd appreciate calls or emails from anyone who wants to talk.  Don't clog up this list, but write or call me privately.  Thanks in advance for all your support and comments. You are a much beloved family of friends.  Ken V. 
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