We met as a family and drove him in the green station wagon to the vet. He had a freshly laundered carpet to stand on in the back. He had his usual exciting time, staring maniacally out of the window on at the green world going by. He was so bloody sore he snarled at Dad when he had to be lifted out of the back. We explained to the vet that it was time and the vet took out a bottle of green liquid, a syringe and a little bucket of dried liver treats. Dad helped him to lie down on the table while he snuffled the liver treats out of my hand. We all patted him while the vet shaved his leg and put the needle in. He snuffled a few more dark little squares and then relaxed his head. We rested it down and lay him carefully on his side. We stroked his wonderful mane and Dad let me take his red collar off. We cried, thanked the vet and went sadly home.
He was a good dog.
If you knew Gazza and would like to say something or tell a story about him, please write it in the comment box. We'd all love to hear about it.
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ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about ol' gaz, I know how much he meant to you.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of mourners. Those are beautifully chosen photos, and the post beautifully restrained.
ReplyDeleteSam, your message brought tears to my eyes even though I have only met Gazza a few times, and not for several years. I do know, however, that he was a king among dogs and that he was, and will continue to be, well loved.
ReplyDeletex
I got to spend last year's Christmas holiday with Gazza and much to my surprise we fell in love. He followed me around the house, tucked me in at night, and sat at my feet while I worked in Neal’s office. Normally I am leery of dogs but Gazza helped me to see the light. His enthusiasm for living is my fondest memory of him. I am thinking of him from far away in Arizona, good rest my friend. Mary Margaret
ReplyDeleteHi Sam, Suzanne & Neil, ta for letting me know, Gazza's such a part of the Franzway family, all that joy, energy, enthusiasm and mountains of generosity bundled into a beautiful dog! How lucky he was to have you all (and he knew it and showed it) and how fortunate are you all to have been with him. Fifteen fabulous years, vale to a pal, love from Vicki C(and Lili and Georgie who will welcome & play with Gazza in dog heaven as surely there must be such a place for these fine creatures!)
ReplyDeleteGaza was such a wonderful dog. He had the kind of personality that you measure other dogs against. He made me feel secure and comfortable as only a charming, loving, and hospitable Gaza can. Sam, Suzanne, and Neil I am very sorry for you loss.
ReplyDeleteDear Sam, Suzanne and Neil
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Gazza. I loved his boundless enthusiasm and his conviction that we all shared it.
I especially love the story about him trying to make the car go faster on the way to Pt Julia by adding paw power, racing around the back seat in manic excitement.
Much love from Kathie and Buck, Clio and Ody.
Sorry to hear about Gazza, Sam. A very sad day indeed. Love, Shelley xxoo
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Gazza at all, but I still had to do a little extra fast blinking to try and stop the odd teardrop. Glad you had so many wonderful years with him.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, capturing the essence of a life lived in motion. Gazza - you will be missed - for your zest for life, for your occupation of whatever patch of ground one was trying to walk on, for terrorising the front door and for being a gorgeous dog. Reading Sam's words brought a tear to my eye. I'm thinking of you Sam, Suzanne and Neil, with much love, Louise
ReplyDeleteGazza was the most annoying dog I ever met, he drove me crazy!! Luckily however he was so damn adorable that he got away with it and always made me smile. Much love to you Gaz...
ReplyDeleteDear Suzanne, Neil and Sam,
ReplyDeletethanks for your story about Gazza. Dogs do creep into our hearts and take over (as I know from dog-sitting Kathie's Clio and Odie) and there is no bond in the world like it, even dare I say between parent and child.
I remember Gazza, in days gone by, rushing to the front door barking ferociously followed by Suzanne's or Neil's 'Gazza, stop that' which was reiterated as he high-pawed the visitor.
Goodbye Gazza,
chilla
Oh Franzy, my eyes are tearing up for you. Gazza sounds like a prince among princes. Having fifteen years with him is a real privelege.
ReplyDeleteI've only had my little furry faced friend for three years and already feel a lump in my throat for the inevitable parting. They are so much more than pets or dogs - they live for love, friendship and togetherness, don't they?
Sorry mate
MillyMoo