Yesterday, Saturday, May 5, 2007, our faithful companion for 14 and 1/2 years passed away. Marco was a wonderful dog.  He was funny, cute and knew what he wanted.  We got Marco in December 1992 from two spinsters that lived in Southern Virginia.  These ladies raised English Bull Dogs and Shitzu’s.  Marco was the smallest of the litter - he was also the cutest.  When they let him out of his pen for the first time - he immediately ran out and began investigating their home.  He even tried going up two stairs - you could hold him in the palm of your hand.  Next, he went over to a large English Bulldog and tried to confront him, in his cage, by staring up at him and  barking.  It was so funny.

 

His meandering and investigating ways earned him his name - Marco Polo.  He joined our family two weeks later -- his sidekick at the time was Nikko - our Schnauzer - whole other story.  They loved each other.  Nikko let Marco think he was the alpha wolf - it was the other way around.  After my Mom died, her dog -- Joshua - a Westie -- joined our family - and then there were three.  Nikko always came to Marco’s defense -- sometimes Joshua got a little too aggressive.  Joshua also thought he was the alpha wolf - Nikko put him him in his place on more than one occasion.

 

Marco was always bright, alert and looking to have a good time.  He would teach us how to play with him.  We had the blowing game.  You would blow at him while he was on the bed.  He would bury his nose and then pop up to try to give you a friendly bite on the nose.  The game was more complex - but, you get the idea.  He loved fruit -- especially oranges -- there was never a time that he wouldn’t take an orange.

 

We always had a great time with Marco.  His health was always good.  When he was around 11 or 12, we found out one of his kidneys had shut down completely.  In consulation with our veterinarian, we decided it best to treat it prophylacticly instead of attempting to operate.  That proved to be a very good decision.  About one and a half years ago we found out that he had a tumor on his lung.  Again, we decided not to operate - the operation would likely not have succeeded - and if it did - no guarantee about a reoccurrence.  

 

To where we are now.  His health began declining, starting with a lot of coughing a few months ago.  But, we treated it with drugs and he did OK.  About 10 to 14 days ago, he decided he didn’t like his food - we changed it --he would eat a little - we would change it again -- and he might eat it.  About a week ago he decided there was very little, if anything, he wanted.  We had our vet check him out.  She agreed with us he was beginning to  shut down.  In the two days prior to his passing there was an obvious decline -- he was very weak and little muscle control.  We knew it was time.

 

One of his very favorite ‘snacks’ was orange sections - he took those no matter how he felt.  Not anymore - he didn’t even take those.  He also loved to kiss -- frequently.  That stopped too.

 

 

We brought him to the vet late in the morning to be put to sleep.  Even though we knew it was time, as did our vet, it was still very difficult.  He was first put to sleep and rested comfortably -- we held him while he was going to sleep for the last time.  And then, it was over -- he was no longer in any pain.

 

I have to say something about our vet -- Dr. Barry.  She’s great.  She has a true passion for her clients -- the dogs and cats -- and us.  She works hard to give us a choice of options when our faithful companions are ill.  We have been going to the Herndon Animal Medical Center for probably 20 years -- maybe longer.  Also, the staff -- I can’t name all of them -- is superb -- very caring and considerate.  I don’t want to offend anyone on the staff, but I need to call out Missy - she’s a wonderful assistant to Dr. Barry.  I’m not sure how long we have known her -- a long time -- she too is just fabulous!

 

I believe  there is a hereafter.  I also believe there is a high likelihood that our faithful companions have  their own place where they go after they pass on.  I think Marco has joined his brother Nikko there and is romping around kissing and playing the blowing game.

 

Take Care!  Love - Rob