Goodbye Sweet Cannon

I have been dreading this post.
We lost our sweet Cannon on June 25. It was time to say goodbye.

Cannon was diagnosed with cancer in his spleen and liver, just like his sister was last year. Treatment was not really an option for him, for a variety of reasons. So we loaded him up on supplements and steroids and he started to feel better right away. He had a really amazing 2 weeks. He was so happy, so spoiled, and so very loved.

Before he got sick, the kids in the neighborhood had been taking him on a morning walk with their dogs every single day for about a month. Every morning he would wake up early for breakfast (5:30 or 6 am) and then wait anxiously by the door for 2 hours for his friends to arrive at 8. I don't say "patiently," I say "anxiously." Communicative as he was, I heard a lot of whining and I got a lot of staring..."where are they???" He looked forward to this every day. When he started to feel poorly, he still managed to get himself up out of his crate and onto the front porch so he could at least visit, even if he wasn't up for a walk. It brought such a smile to my face, the love he was filled with to share.

I should backtrack...he turned 13 on May 28, and the neighborhood has been having birthday parties (socially distanced of course, in the driveways) for all of the dogs- there seem to be a lot of May birthdays. When it was Cannon's turn, he was so excited, he literally trotted to the top of the driveway to greet his guests, every time someone arrived! The incredible kids decorated the driveway with chalk pictures and greetings, and he got presents (aka: treats galore)- OMG sooooo elated!!!

Cannon was the Elder Statesman of the street. He was Last Man Standing of his generation of dogs on Pilgrim Rd. Everyone knew him and adored him, he was kind of like the mayor. So sweet, always happy, although not, as I said, the most patient. And very tied to his routine. I've never known a more communicative dog. He had a lot of specific vocalizations, demanding toddler that he was. Anyone on my street can tell you, he did NOT like stopping on a walk so that Mommy could chat with a neighbor. He let us know when he needed water, when it was time for a meal (find her wherever she is in the house and stare her down until she looks at her watch), and when he needed me to sit on the floor because he needed lap time. Yes. One of his most endearing qualities, he absolutely loved to sit on a lap. If you were on the floor, he was on your lap. And with me, he made it very clear when he needed that, and so of course, I complied. Always. How could I not??? 

His other funny habit was sitting on the steps by the front door when he wanted to go out. He was either on the steps, on a lap, or on his chair, which he claimed years ago.

Cannon was a true lab. He was loving, protective, and always hungry. We have lost count of how many times he has been to the vet because "he got into something." Blankets, socks, shoes, stuffed animals, sofa cushions and even his crate tray when he was mad. Even the most toxic things- he laughed at them. Tomatoes right off the vine? I'll just throw them back up when I get inside. Harry's nurse left her lunch within my reach? Who needs to open packages, I'll just tear through the lunchbox and swallow the sandwich whole, still in the ziploc, it will all come out in one piece later. Need help scraping the dishes in the dishwasher, or cleaning your plate of over easy eggs? Peking ravioli was a favorite as well. And steak. In his last days, Daddy made him steak and eggs every day.

Protective. Not aggressive, just wanted you to know he was there. When Harrison first came home from the hospital at 3 weeks old, Cannon instantly claimed him (as opposed to Ruby, who just saw Harry as an obstacle to attention). But 4 days later, we took Harry away, back to the hospital. What??? You brought me this little baby and then took him away from me? That dog moped like we had never seen. The dog who would ingest anything made of fabric actually took one of Harry's onesies to his bed and just cuddled it close to his nose. He so missed that boy. When Harrison finally came home again for good, 6 months later, Cannon stayed close by. Every time an EI therapist would visit, Cannon would plop himself on the floor between them. "Just letting you know this is my boy and I am here."

Cannon loved the water. He went bananas when we took him to the park and he could run and swim. He would run far ahead but always look back to make sure we were there. He would run and then come back to say "see, I came back! I need a treat!" As soon as he saw the water he was in it. Physical therapy after his knee replacement just before he turned 1 is where he learned how to actually swim, and all he wanted to do was laps! Ruby wanted to have chicken fights in the water, but he would just shrug her away so he could swim. And physical therapy...he loved it. He was so stoic at PT or at the vet, I think he just didn't want us to know he didn't care what we did to him as long as he was getting the love and praise. And I am forever grateful to him for introducing me to his PT who is now one of my dearest friends.

Cannon was happiest outside, sunning himself on the grass. Since Ruby died, he has been sleeping in our room, and always at my heels during the day. He hated being alone. On his last morning, John had to help him go downstairs. He spent some time in his crate, and when he was ready, he picked himself up and went outside. He found a spot on the lawn, and we sat with him and gave him so much love. He was surrounded by Harrison and the kids who walked him every day, and some neighbors. He looked up each time someone new came over to see him, and then he laid his head back down and went peacefully to sleep. We know he missed his sister. He went 5 days shy of the one year anniversary for Ruby. I didn't see any myself, but I saw lots of posts of rainbows over the next couple of days, and only a few hours after he passed, a cardinal flew right in front of me to settle on a tree. I miss that boy like crazy.