KaCee

May 15, 2003

From the upstairs master bedroom window, I could see the entire backyard of the house behind us. There I would watch the big, red Golden Retriever walk from one end of the yard to the other. There were no toys, no shelter from the heat, no visible water or food. The dog had all his hair shaved off. Each night around 8:00 PM, the back porch light would come on and someone would open the door, reach out and place a dish of food on the ground, slam the door shut, not to be opened again until the next night. That gorgeous, kind golden "KaCee" would start wagging his tail the very second the light went on, hoping someone would pet him, or at least talk to him. Every night I'd lay awake thinking about that dog. It broke my heart to see this dog neglected and I wondered how any person could own a dog and not give him any love or attention.

Having already rescued four wonderful dogs, I felt the need to do something to remedy the situation. KaCee must have felt the kinship too because one sunny afternoon, KaCee got out of the yard, walked around the block and landed on our doorstep. My husband and grandkids spent the entire afternoon playing with KaCee, sadly realizing that eventually we'd have to take him home. My husband leashed KaCee and walked him to our neighbors house. He casually mentioned how much we love dogs and volunteered to walk KaCee or have him come over to play with our dogs anytime. They didn't respond kindly to this suggestion and got rather offended. We did find out that KaCee was ten years old and had never been allowed inside a house.

A few weeks had passed when I noticed the usual side door light was not coming on at night. During this time, we had been passing food to KaCee through the fence and even jumping the fence to fill his water bowl. These "rich" neighbors, with their brand new house and luxury cars, had left KaCee to go on vacation. It was an unusually hot May, high 90's and KaCee was left to fend for himself. This total lack of care and responsibility was unconscionable. That was the final straw. We brought KaCee back to our house and left a note for the neighbors to call us when they returned. Four days later, we received their call. When we rescued KaCee, he had what appeared to be a badly infected mouth ulcer, so we rushed him to the vet. There, we were told that KaCee had inoperable cancer of the mouth, badly infected from neglect and told he would only live a few months longer. We vowed to make this the best time of his short life. The neighbors were shocked to learn we had taken KaCee to the vet, and let us know that they "would in no way be responsible for any vet's bill". They asked us to sign a release stating that they would not be held liable for any past, present or future vet bills and that KaCee was now legally ours. I asked if they knew how sick he was and their answer shocked me to the core. "Yes, we knew KaCee had cancer, we were just waiting for him to die." (The woman of the house was a nurse!).

I called Homeward Bound and Lea Kacher and Jodi came to our rescue. We became KaCee's new foster parents, and Homeward Bound paid for the necessary vet's bills. I thank God we found this wonderful rescue group to help us out.

Family and friends have commented on how lucky KaCee was to be in our home. Most certainly, we are the lucky ones. Our family is so blessed to have known KaCee. Despite his past neglect and pain, he is so happy to be a part of our family. The other dogs all love and protect KaCee, playing gently with him. KaCee wakens every morning (on his bed near the fireplace) wagging his tail while waiting for hugs. His tumors have grown very large and he can no longer close his mouth. Sometimes they bleed so profusely, his bed is soaked in blood. But that's ok. Blood and dirt can be cleaned up. 

KaCee is still so happy, eating well and prancing around like a pup. I am trying to prepare myself for the inevitable. KaCee has taught me many lessons about life. Live it to the fullest. Appreciate every single day on earth. Don't complain. Be happy to see family. Smile more. Keep a sparkle in your eyes. 

KaCee has been with us for 10 months now. It is mid-May and the vet thought he would only make it till Christmas. He's fighting to hold on, but I can see sadness in his eyes. We know we'll need to let him go soon. 

My dear, gentle KaCee, thank you so much for being a part of our lives. You have forever secured a place in our hearts. Your strength of spirit and courage, your happy smile and ever waggin' tail are memories to be treasured forever.

I love you and I'll miss you, but most of all, I'm so glad I had the pleasure of knowing you. 

Linda Owens