Dear Muttville,
It has taken me several months to write this letter because writing it means that I am finally letting go of a great joy. I adopted Silas in August of 2013 and didn’t have much hope for him. He was big, hairy, blind, and practically toothless. His stomach was always irritated and his bowels sensitive. The first week he came to stay with me, the vet said he probably had throat cancer and would likely be euthanized. Well, Silas fooled us all! Not only did he not have throat cancer, but with the right diet and supplements, he rallied and flourished.
Silas was an easy-going old man who was a favorite among visiting dogs, people, and his own housemate cats, George and Julius. He was an SPCA calendar dog, featured as the month of May in their yearly calendar fundraiser. But mainly, Silas was a friend. Together, we played blind hide n’ seek where I could “hide” in plain view and he would find me as I called his name. Kind of like Marco Polo on land. He kept me company on our slow walks around the block, and his snoring lulled me to sleep at night.
Over time, Silas became more and more confused. “Doggy dementia,” the vet said. When he couldn’t find his way to his favorite basking spot in the grass, I knew it was time to let him go. I’ve never had to make that decision for a pet before. I know it was the right one for Silas, but saying goodbye is never easy. He crossed the rainbow bridge in July of 2015.
I would like to thank everyone at Muttville for allowing me to adopt Silas and make him a part of my family. He was my furry black thundercloud of happiness for two years. Even now, on really quiet nights while I lie in bed with a thousand thoughts swirling around, I can hear a gentle snoring coming from the floor. Though he’s gone, Silas’ sweet snoring still reminds me of what a blessing he was to my life. And I will cherish the memories forever.
Silas has become the star of the SF SPCA Summer camp. He sits patiently while Muttville folks share the greatness of senior dogs with a room full of children, then shares his love with each of them showing how great senior dogs truly are!!!":https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596557447051306&set=a.206111706095884.54247.205874809452907&type=1&theaterRead a loving tribute to Silas from his adopter.
