The Adventures of Clover!: Basil Alexander-Long: 1997

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Basil Alexander-Long: 1997 - Apr 12, 2010

[As transcribed by Daddy]

Today was a very very sad day for everyone. We had a nice morning and a quiet afternoon... we all tried to keep as busy as possible, and my parents tried to spend as much time cuddling with Basil as they could. They threw him a big cheese party at lunchtime.

Dr. Bonkalo arrived at our place at around 2:30... and was met at the door by Basil, who wagged his tail and tried his best to be friendly. By then the colour had completely drained from his body, his hearing was completely gone, and his condition had worsened - Dr. Bonkalo (who we all think is fantastic) was able to quickly diagnose him with a ruptured spleen, secondary cancer in his lungs, and a belly engorged with blood from a massive internal hemorrhage. We can't imagine what kind of pain he was in - and yet he was still trying to be friendly and happy.

While I laughed and played and enjoyed the beautiful spring afternoon, Basil passed away a few feet away, on his couch (and on Mommy's lap) at about 3:15, surrounded by Gammy and Grandpa and Daddy and myself. He went quickly, incredibly peacefully, and painlessly. It was very sad, but also special, sweet, and perfect.

We buried him in the back yard, wrapped in his favourite blanket with some pictures I drew for him, his favourite tennis balls from when he was young, a sock from each of us, some cheese, and some cookies. We put flowers on his grave and I read a poem I prepared in advance:

I Love Basil
He was our dog
I wish he didn't have to die
But I know that he should.

Gammy and Grandpa and Mommy and Daddy and I had a big dinner to celebrate Basil's life, and then I voluntarily went to bed about an hour early due to complete exhaustion.

Things won't ever be the same. Just different. But soon things will be okay. Basil affected everyone who met him - he changed our lives and our opinions. We'll all miss him so much, but he had the very best life we could give him. He was a very good boy. Please hug all of your pets extra tight today.

Listening to: Jónsi - Go