Claude

This is in memory of my daughter's dog, Claude. Claude was a 10 year old standard- sized daschund. He was often called a bratwurst since he just loved to eat- anything. When my daughter went off to college and I would let him out in the morning, he would disappear to our neighbor's compost pile which usually had cinnamom rolls tossed in there. Claude loved those "free at last" morning outings. When we realized where he was going after seeing the added pounds piling up, I began to control his diet by walking him. I'm sure he was not pleased with this diet regime.
My husband bought Claude from his Uncle Claude and brought him home by airplane from Louisiana when Claude was just 5 weeks old. He was definitely a Louisiana dog, because he didn't like the cold weather at all! Since he was brought here in the winter, he would snuggle under the cover in his crate or on the bed and sleep all covered up. That is the way he slept for his entire life. There are many funny and heart-warming memories that we each have of Claude. I love the picture of him right after he snatched a freshly made sandwich and gobbled it down with just mayonnaise left as evidence on his snout. Even saying his name would bring a smile.
No one loved Claude more than his beloved owner. It was a mutual admiration society. He idolized her and even put up with wearing a purple collar as that was her favorite color. He didn't care.
When the time came to let Claude go and free him from the ailments of old age, it was not an easy decision. Our daughter wanted only what was best for her Claudius Minimus. We will always be grateful to our future son-in-law who took Claude to the vet's office and stayed with him so that our daughter wouldn't have to do this difficult task. It was hard on him, as he loved Claude too.
Life isn't about having easy decisions to make. Life is about caring for one another. I am thankful for the dear relationship our daughter had for 10 years with her Claude dog.