I played Mozart for him on the way to the vet.
To be fair, Sebastien never traveled well in the car. He typically whined the whole trip, escalating to a howl as we pulled into the veterinarian’s parking lot. Once we arrived, however, he was compliant and a favorite of the staff during his boarding stays.
Today was different for all of us.
Our daughter Karen raised Sebastien from birth. A Heinz-57 variety of Shepherd, Boxer, Chow, and who knows what else, Sebastien was a golden brown mutt that needed care. His mother died shortly after birthing her litter from sepsis. Karen bottle-fed him until he could survive on puppy chow and he became the Porter family dog.
Sebastien was a sweet dog, if somewhat annoying after being spoiled with treats. His ferocious, deep-throated bark would terrify any stranger who failed to observe the real threat at his back end where his swishing tail could knock over a small child. He loved making new friends.
At twelve years old Sebastien began to slow a step as he approached old age for a medium-sized dog. His right rear leg became withered and nearly useless even after ACL surgery. Still, he soldiered on, giving up only the “fetch-the-ball” games that he loved before losing his mobility.
A few days ago Sebastien began to slow even more, and we noticed that he was panting way too much. X-rays revealed that he had a tumor in his belly that was crowding his organs to the front and back as it grew to the size of a summer watermelon.
We made the decision to euthanize him, as the tumor was dangerously attached to a major blood vessel and probably malignant as well. He had had a good run and was well-loved by his family to the end.
I remember one day years ago when I took Sebastien for a walk. At first, I questioned the type of dog he was, as he showed no interest in chasing a rabbit. On the way back home he totally redeemed himself: he stopped to smell the roses.
Sebastien tended to settle down in the car when I played music. Irish music was great of course, but classical seemed most effective at soothing him down to a few whimpers. Thus on our way to end his journey through life, I played Mozart for him. And for me.
I reflected on the irony in that moment: Sebastien and Mozart, two lives bringing joy to others, both lives ending sooner than we wished. I can’t think of a better way to go out.
Sebastien lived his life as a dog, being loyal and loving and demanding and all that dogs are. His life was an opus that we will long remember.
Goodbye, Sebastien. We miss you.
Very sweet story about Sebastien and the love you had for each other. My condolences to you and your family.
A very sweet and fitting tribute! Such heart-warming memories of a dear family member.