We’ve decided to put Red down today, he is clearly in pain, and so are we, watching him. Dr. Fariello has agreed to come into the office, (she was off today.) Red is ready to go. We’ll do it later today.
This morning, I took what is certainly the last photo of the three dogs together. Red joined the work-a-day lineup outside the pasture gate. He didn’t get up.
Photography has been an integral part of my relationship with Red, and an intimate one. I tried to take some close-ups of him this morning, but I couldn’t, he just looked too frail and troubled.
I am glad I got this photo.
And there was more mystical news about Red.
A fascinating, almost mystical, thing occurred last night.
I announced a Wish List campaign to buy Ipad’s for each of the Bishop Maginn teachers (plus Principal Mike Tolan) and a wonderful woman named Sue – an enthusiastic member of the Army Of Good – send me a check for $4,000.
She did in honor of Red and his work. I was nearly overwhelmed with surprise and happiness, a special gift on my birthday.
It turns out we need four more Ipads – 16 altogether, these are the Ipad 9.7’s with Wi-Fi and 256 gigs of memory, each for only $328.
At the end of his life, Red continues to do good. I need $1,250 for the remaining Ipads in honor of Red, and his work, and I will send new Red postcards to each of the donors.
You can contribute via Paypal, [email protected] in any amount or by check, Jon Katz, Red’s Gift, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. I think it is a wonderful thing that Red can make a last gift to the world in this way, and for good.
Sue Silverstein, who loves Red dearly (she teaches art and theology at Bishop Maginn High School), wrote: “I believe with all my heart and soul that Red was not just in words but in reality, an angel who was sent here to do his work.”
I am not usually prone to pronouncements like that, but I believe it with all my heart and soul as well. Thank you all for caring about him and loving him.
As I promised, I’ll share this process openly and honestly. Red didn’t just belong to me, and I will honor that.
I figured you wouldn’t wait until Mon the way you were talking about Reds pain. You clearly love him.
Farewell, Red and Happy Trails.
So sorry to see him leave. There’s a big Red-shaped emptiness that will be filled with all the good things his legacy provides.
I am always sad when some one loses a pet. We never deserve the unconditional love they give us. Peace to you and Maria.
To Red,
Farewell, sweet soul. You exemplified the definition of the perfect dog. There are no harsh words to be spoken of you. You loved your humans, and loved your canine mates. You loved your work, you evoked positivity in any negative situation. You lived each day as if it was your first and last- to it’s fullest. You will be missed by so many of us in our own ways. Some will cry, some will smile, as you have impacted us in ways hard to describe. Dogs often mirror ourselves, in attitude and empathy. A sweeter or kinder soul would be hard to find. Rest well, you magnificent one- you may be gone from our sight, physically, but you remain with us in all of the memories of you so eloquently described by your dad. I call him your dad because he protected you, admired you, encouraged you, and dealt with your matters with dignity and love, like most good fathers do. We will think of you through the years, and I, for one, will meditate on your life, living in the peaceful kingdom. Here’s my chance to emulate your calm, yet strong demeanor. God speed, good boy.
So sorry to hear this Jon. I have followed Red through the years – one amazing border! I am glad you had so many special times with him. I am approaching this time with my border, Coda – such a difficult thing to do. If possible, please post Red’s age.
I will be thinking of you both later on to-day.
My heart breaks even though I know you are doing the caring thing. It takes courage none the less. Take care of yourself and Maria. Blessings to Red.
Dog speed, Red. I really believe that our pets who are special to us, keep an eye on us from beyond. I imagine Red will watch over you , Maria,Fate and Bud until you are reunited. May all the great memories comfort you as you say good bye for now.
I wish Red well on his journey over the rainbow bridge knowing that he did all he needed to do here. My heart grieves with yours as you say goodbye because I know how it feels to lose a cherished member of the family. May his name be a blessing forever.
Condolences to you on being so lucky to have such a wonderful dog. It is never easy.
Mike
Jon, I had the privilege of meeting Red when you and Maria came to the Wilton, Ct. library for a talk a few years back. Red came over and put his sweet head on my lap and then went to my daughter and did the same. I love him because of the stories that you told about him. A kiss and a hug for Red.
Boy, it just seems so soon, but trust you to know what’s best. Thank you and Red, for everything and for sharing something as special as he was. May you and Maria have all the strength and compassion you need at this time.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful soul with us, a generous gift to your readers. I am thinking of you now, as I am figuring by now Red has left this earth and begun his new journey. I was thinking about how you say that Red is truly an angel – and I agree with this assessment- and it occurred to me that maybe you are the angel, Jon. You are an angel to so many who have benefitted from your call to do good and worthwhile deeds that can only restore our faith in humanity. And you’ve been an angel to Red, giving him a life a dog can only dream of, rich with work and love. You are his angel. Blessings to you all.
Maria
I’m sorry, Jon and Maria. He was a very, very special dog and you were privileged to own him.
RIP dear one.?❤️??
Jon, thank you so much for your compassion and love for Red. We have all come to love him too, almost as if he were our furry angel. Much love and comfort as Red leaves this world. He will no longer be in pain and can “work” whenever he chooses.
Thinking of you all on this sad day
Again, thank you for sharing Red with us. May he live on in your stories of him.
I’ve done animal communication work for a long time. Sometimes strange dogs will come up to me and celebrate that they are angels here doing their work, they know I’ll hear them and it makes them really happy. Often they are amazing dogs like Red, but more often they are here only for their person and not the outgoing sweet loves we imagine. In those cases the person invariably says “wow, m
Sue saw Red and they clearly had a bond that was special.