Cesar when he was young
Cesar's face reminded us of the North West Indian Haida Art a favorite form of Art Gregore introduced into our household from his native Canada
It got a little cold where we live so we would knit him sweaters!
On the contact page of our website gregoreandjennifer-rabe.com you can see Cesar in my arms because he was such an important member of our jewelry business. You can say that he added lots of cheer to our busy days. He also organized our day in a pleasant and healthy way. If the work got too stressful, or we were sitting too long, there was Cesar eager to share a snack or to play tug-of-war. Here he is on the ready when either I or Gregore are nibbling on a snack even fruit! Can you see the bubble at the corner of his mouth and the bit of drool on the ground by my foot? He was not shy to let us know his intentions.
Our workshop is usually not this messy we just have some rush jewelry orders and we always have time to give Cesar a treat
A favorite activity for all of us was the wrap up to the workday which was walking on our beautiful Santa Barbara beaches. They surround the town so one can get to a beach within minutes in the car or 15 minutes walking. Cesar loved the beach because of the smells and the wide expanses. I loved the beach for him because after his slipped spinal disc the sand did not hurt his dragging little toes.
Cesar running behind Gregore
Cesar playing with me
We loved playing with him. French Bulldogs do this little twirl when they are playing. Also they move quickly for short periods of time till they need to stop for a breather.
Halloween was not his fav but he dressed up for us anyway
Cesar was the funniest when he slept. The french Bulldog breed is a little stiff in the joints so when he lay on the ground his legs would stick out. It was rare he could even lay on his back.
We were lucky that Cesar was so happy and healthy right to the end. It was only when the tumor got the better of him that he declined rapidly. He let us know he was all done when he turned away from food. When he wouldn't take a piece of Gregore's hotdog we knew he was seriously all done. Even Cesar in his good days couldn't resist the grass fed beef hotdogs from Lazy Acres!
he let us know when he was done with the illness because he even refused a grass fed beef hotdog
When we decided we did not want Cesar in pain any longer we called "Cat Calls/Fuzzy Farewell", Amanda Lumsden the mobile vet. It was wonderful for all of us to be together comfortable in the home, on the sofa his favorite roost, lording it over the cat. Saying goodbye has been incredibly hard. We miss him terribly because he was there all day making us laugh and smile. He was wonderfully cute, happy and playful. In fact he was more than perfect because he was a quiet, calm, and very affectionate dog.
The CAD image of Cesar's inscription
Gregore also made a beautiful wood cross for our cat Jazz. Gregore does a lot of Japanese wood joinery so making things in wood comes naturally. The CAD of the inscription for Cesar's cross is touching because included is Gregore's nickname for Cesar "little mouse". It was very tough to spend the day creating his burial, thinking sadly about our loss, but it also helped us to now have a little reliquary near us in our garden. We can go talk to him and sit quietly by his side.
From the moment that Cesar passed away a rare, red breasted hummingbird, has graced our yard. Because of this cheerful visitor we put a hummingbird feeder above Cesars grave and we planted a kangaroo paws plant behind his cross because they like its nectar. Though we don't think Cesar has come back as a hummingbird, Cesar did love sniffing flowers, so we think the universe has conspired to elevate our mood at this time of loss, reminding us that we and Cesar are still happily together though in a new and mysterious way.
Cesar was always the cutest when he was asleep
Cesar cuddling with Gregore
Dear Cesar may you rest in peace.
Thank you for the chance to vent our sorrow in this blog. We feel like all pet owners, that they are our children and companions. Love to all of you and thank you for listening.
Gregore and Jennifer-rabe
Handsome Cesar