The Neighbor's Dog

The Neighbor’s Dog, our mutual friend.

My parents’ dog Trisha took the family boundary protection duty very seriously. Caesar, the yellow lab next door didn’t stand a chance of crossing the line, much less an invitation to meet the folks.  Mom and dad were avid animal lovers. They would have had no problem with Caesar’s visiting, but Trisha would have none of it. Sadly, Trisha grew old and frail. My brother and I took her to the veterinarian to humanely put to sleep.  Our parents were up there in age and decided against getting another dog.

On hot summer days my parents would relax under the carport. Dad was struggling with various ailments and did not ambulate well. He was content to sit outside, munching in snacks, especially 3D Doritos. It wasn’t long after Trisha’s death when Caesar meandered over and cautiously padded up to dad and mom. Dad would offer him the 3D chips and oreo cookies. We would chastise him about giving a dog such human food. This fell on deaf ears and soon our neighbor’s dog became a regular outdoor fixture at the family homestead.

One afternoon my father felt ill and required medical attention. Our neighbors happened to be EMTs so they were the first to arrive on the scene. Caesar ran in right after them.  They tried shooing him out but my mom assured them it was fine.  It was from that day on I felt we were stealing the neighbor’s dog.  

There were several times the neighbors and we tried to coax Caesar to his rightful home. We would bring him back, they would tie him up. As soon as he was let loose, back he came. My dad felt as if Caesar knew how much mom and he needed the companionship of a beloved animal.  Some days were difficult and long caring for an ill spouse and parent. Caesar was a wonderfully loving and gentle dog. We couldn’t have stolen a more perfect dog to ease the burden of long-term care.

There came a time when we could no longer care for Dad at home. It was a heart wrenching decision that had to be made. Mom and Dad raised 10 children. We had always said we would never place our parents in the care of others. Sadly Dad required more care than our large family was able to provide.

Caesar filled mom’s days with company and purpose as she adjusted to living in a home without her spouse. Dad, however, was struggling emotionally. He broke down one day and said how much he missed Caesar. I would have taken that personally if I hadn’t known how much my parents loved their animals. I decided to check into how I could get Caesar up to visit my dad. The nursing home was very accommodating; telling me all I needed was proof Caesar was current on all his vaccinations.  What the hospital didn’t know was that I would have to go ask the neighbors if I could have a copy of the record so I could take Caesar up to see Dad. They were very gracious and gave me what I needed. Caesar himself was a trooper on the visits. He appeared very nervous in the elevators, not wanting to cross over the small crack between the floors and the doors of the elevator. He was lavished with love and caresses from all the patients at every turn. He became an instant celebrity. Dad looked so proud of his neighbor’s dog. It remains one of my most precious memories of my dad. Dad passed away less than a year later.

At this point Caesar was a permanent fixture in the home. I took him to the vet’s as necessary and gave him flea medication when needed.  He got on well with the cats and tolerated the scores of grandchildren and great-grandchild that came along exceptionally. The neighbors had long ceased attempts to retrieve their dog. He was my mom’s constant companion. She considered him sent by God. She still fed him oreos.

The old yellow lab began showing signs of aging. He lost the ability to get up on his hind legs without assistance. We would literally lift his back end up any stairs he needed to get up. The nerves and muscles controlling his bowels were weakening and he would go without realizing it at times. When he did notice, you could almost see the embarrassment and sorrow in his eyes. He grew out of breath with little exertion. We lovingly cared for him. He loyally cared for Mom.

My mother became ill and required temporary rehabilitation at a local nursing facility. At this point Caesar was getting weaker by the day, struggling to change positions at times. We had painfully made the decision to humanely euthanize him. My mom knew in her heart it was time and she wanted to see him one last time. I remember struggling to get him in the van, he was panting, I was stressing. I was concerned about how he was going to get out once there and then how I was going to get him back in when it was time to leave. When we arrived, I could see mom and my sister sitting outside in a shady spot.  I opened the side door and prepared to assist Caesar. My mom began to call him and that dog jumped up like a puppy. He bound out of the van and ran to her.  He rubbed against her, she hugged him, they both smiled at each other. I felt the complete idiot, the Cruella Daville of all daughters. How could I possibly have debated the necessity of putting Caesar down when he acted so healthy and spry. They had a wonderful visit, mom and Caesar. However, Mom knew her dog and his true condition. She knew it would be the last day she would spend with him.

A couple of days after that visit, I made one last trek to the neighbor’s home. I asked for permission to have Caesar put to sleep at our expense.  I thanked them and told them they will never know what their dog meant to my parents, to our entire family.  They were truly good neighbors. I told them we never meant to steal their dog. 

On a hot summer day in August Caesar peacefully died in my arms. My husband and nephew dug a grave in our backyard that would be Caesar’s resting place. It was purposefully dug between the two  property lines.