(12.26.2010)  On December 16, 2010 our love Keller left his beautiful earthly body behind and sailed on to Rainbow Bridge, guided and welcomed to the Bridge by Macey, Sparky and the unloved ones too, to go joyfully run and play until we meet up again forever, and certainly taking a piece of our hearts with him. 

Keller (aka Special K, Sweater Boy, K,  Mr. Keller J) will always be our love, a senior doggy both blind and deaf, and a delightful and wise little guy with dignity and grace, a will of steel and a giver of great Cocker kisses.  We feel blessed to have had this boy in our lives for most of 2010 yet are heart-broken at his passing.  We remember …

… in late January 2010 this sweet Cocker senior was dumped in a vet’s lot  in Louisiana, was given 10 days for rescue, and last-minute Emma and Karen and Sheila pleaded for him, Cheri in WI offered her home, then transport failed and Keller was past out-of-time. Colleen worked a miracle, setting up a transport piggy-backing with a Doxie rescue.  Keller traveled with Doxies Dudley and Hannah; Hannah used Keller as a pillow!  I met Keller’s transport in Birmingham AL February 13, 2010 and immediately fell for this little guy.  Keller was dirty and covered with fleas and very weak, falling every couple of steps while pottying, yet each and every time K would pull himself back up and keep going, clearly showing his strong will and independence, again and again - amazing!

Mr. Keller was to spend a week at our home for vetting, eating, resting and especially being loved on.  The Amazing Traveling Vet Ashley came by and treated Keller for Kennel Cough, ear infection, many worms, and a urinary tract infection.  After a warm bath, meds, good meals and lots of loving, Mr. Keller began improving, strengthening up and showing us his Cocker personality and - though Cheri and her pack would have given him a fabulous life - we were blessed to have Keller join our pack forever.  And we soon enjoyed knowing and loving the real Keller, with him healthy and happy, giving great Cocker kisses, displaying his talent for stealthily seeking out the softest spots in our home to lay down, outside enjoying feeling the breeze and rolling in the grass and everywhere liking belly and ear-rubs, and working his way deep into our hearts.

Our girls enjoyed Keller: Lils met K first in AL, Heather very often loved on him and Sid especially made time to cuddle with this awesome senior doggie.  Val provided Special K colorful sweaters for warmth and took Sweater Boy to grooming - our only doggie to ever go - yet at least in my mind, Mr. Keller was a Daddy’s Boy and I loved this Cocker angel completely, loved laying with K and rubbing his body and ears and getting those great Cocker kisses in return.

Keller was the senior member of our pack, with vet estimates of 15-20+ years, and so we celebrated his 20th birthday on October 12.  Right about that time fellow blind-and-deaf super-senior Ginny the Pom entered Keller’s life and the two partnered up and especially enjoyed sleeping alongside one another for warmth and comfort.

Dignity, charm, perseverance, patience, will, gentleness, acceptance, love of the simple pleasures - I saw all of these in Keller and learned, because I too am greyer and my step also not as certain as once was, and I thank Keller for those lessons.  Also through Keller, a working friendship began with Cocker Mom Sheila and that’s led to rescue and/or Furever Homes for blind Cocker doggies as well as Keller having his Aunt Sheila in his corner sending him hugs and wishes and prayers and finally a guiding candle.

Keller suffered many ailments that included a non-operable tumor in his chest that pushed on his trachea and made breathing difficult, other tumors, dementia, strokes recently, and finally heart failure leading to fluid in his lungs and trembling - it was time.  Keller, Val and I spent Special K’s final earth day together with lots of hugs and kisses and bed-time and  a meal of liverwurst and cheese and plenty of love.  Though extremely difficult for her too, Vet Ashley stopped by our home and mercifully allowed Keller - while in our bed with us holding him - to leave his suffering behind and pass on to Rainbow Bridge. Our doggies too knew and grieved, especially Mama Buffy.  Keller’s body was buried next to Macey and both of their spirits live in our hearts.

Thanks to each of you for all of the BDRA emails and kind support about Keller.  I’ve not been able to read them yet, just too painful - have had a hard time with Keller’s passing.  My brain knows Keller had a wonderful time here, enjoyed life and passed on at just the right moment to a great eternity where we‘ll join him… my heart misses Special K, feels a numb loneliness and deep sadness and many tears.  Godspeed sweet Keller, go play at Rainbow Bridge until we meet again, and, thank you Special K for enriching our lives with your sweet Cocker love.

Welcome to Keller's Page, especially you Auntie Sheila plus fellow Cocker Penny Lane and Cheri too!

Keller, aka Special K and "Keller-locks", is a blind and deaf senior Cocker Spaniel.  Keller was dumped at a Louisiana vet's parking lot and found his way to shelter Death Row before BDRA stepped up for this boy; we agreed to foster Keller - yep, foster failure!  So now Keller is a very much loved member of our pack.

Keller moves very slowly, is likely between 15-20 years old, has a  great appetite, enjoys being loved on, gives great Cocker kisses and mostly enjoys his naps.  Keller has a non-operable tumor in his chest cavity that pushes against his airwaves, Keller coughs much and takes pretty strong cough meds.  Still, Keller is a happy boy and will live his remaining life in comfort and dignity.

Keller has a true talent and searching out the very softest places to lay down, just like Goldilocks!  Please enjoy Keller's photos, especially noting how Keller always finds the most comfy places to sleep!