Goodbye, Old Friend

Byron posting tonight: (On a serious note.)

Well, this is where it all began. Back in the 1980’s, I was a huge Boston Celtic’s fan; watching Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish battle, Magic Johnson, and the Los Angeles Lakers for NBA titles. Bird retired in 1992 and two years later, on Mother’s Day in 1994, I bought my best buddy for $20 outside of a Bel Air grocery store in Roseville. I named my new friend, Celtic, who was a Rottweiler-Bull Mastiff mix.

Celtic had the markings of a Rottweiler, but the size of a Bull Mastiff. As a pup, the energetic, little guy would get into EVERYTHING and was full of destruction. There were a few times, I left Celtic with Mom. He tore up all of her throw pillows that were on her couches and ate all of her candles. Once, he even got into some cough drops that were left out. Ever try to pull dried on cough drops from the carpet? Not easy, and very messy!

Celtic also loved wrestling at a very young age. When he was about three months old, playful "C" plowed into Jordan, Mom's dog, knocking her across the lawn. No matter where we were, at home or at the park, Celtic would always turn his attention to Jordan. He enjoyed wrestling with her. Getting after him about being so rough, only resulted in him barking louder and more excited running around.

Celtic loved his home in Sacramento too. The backyard had lots of shade from the fruit trees. He would literally lay under them for hours. Having fruit trees also invites critters into our yard. Ocassionally, you would see him chasing the squirrels that ran across the trees. He also caught a few opossums that were in the back yard. (None were found playing possum either.) Celtic was also sprayed by a skunk. I tried every concoction of tomato juice, vinegar, soap, and special recipes for getting rid of the smell. Nothing really worked but after a couple of months, the smell grew fainter and fainter.

In his prime, he was about three feet tall and weighed about 145lbs. He could palm a regulation sized basketball in his jaws. When playing ball, Celtic could catch a kicked soccer ball in his mouth from 15 feet away. He also loved swimming after ducks halfway across the river, about 100 feet into the middle. I debated several times whether or not to go in after him, for fear of him drowning. Celtic was always around to protect. We took him everywhere; whether it was running by the river, swimming, rides to the store in the car, outside, etc. He was the most loyal dog and faithful protector to me and my family.

As of late, my priorities changed a bit. For the last year and a half, my Mom has cared for Celtic because having three children under the age of five takes most of my time and attention. He wasn't getting the same attention that he deserved. So we tried making weekly visits to Gramma's to see Mr. C. The last year or so his gait has grown slower. His aging body wouldn't allow him to do the things he loved to do once upon a time. His walks grew shorter and his naps grew longer. We recently learned that Celtic had cancer along with several other health issues.

Lately, my family and I have spent a lot more time going by to see him. But watching him lose more and more weight (he now weighs 102 lbs.) and seeing the occasional fall when trying to even walk, we knew it was his time. So today, June 9, 2008 at 5:00 pm, after 14 years of loyal companionship, we made the decision to put, Celtic, to rest. Goodbye, Celtic.

Sharleen here posting now: (I know that was very hard for Byron to write.)

There is a little sadness in the Young household. As you now know, our beloved dog, Celtic, of 14 years was put to sleep today. His quality of life took a downhill turn and rapidly deteriorated. We could see that he was in a lot of pain. This was a heart wrenching decision for Byron to make but he/we knew it was time. Celtic lived a long, good and happy life as our family pet.

The girls knew that Celtic was sick. It was just a matter of time before we said our good-byes! They knew that he was going to go to sleep.

Tiegan: Is he going to doggie heaven, like Jordan? (Jordan was Gramma's dog.)
Mommy: Yes, exactly... Celtic is going to doggie heaven.

Celtic was a part of the family. He was the best dog you could ever want. He was loyal to the hands that loved and fed him. He was playful and always glad to see you. He loved to play ball and was usually not too far from the kids. Even more, he was a terrific guard dog. Most kept their distance, with one look at him and the sound of his bark. We'll miss Celtic. He was a great dog.